Onychomycosis – Page 5

A case report of childhood onychomycosis caused by the rare yeast Kodamaea ohmeri

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A 5-year-old girl in Vietnam developed a nail infection caused by a rare yeast called Kodamaea ohmeri, which typically affects adults with diabetes or weak immune systems. The infection, appearing as white discoloration on the nails, was successfully treated with a topical antifungal cream applied three times daily for one month. This is the first reported case of this rare yeast causing nail infection in a child in Vietnam, and it demonstrates that topical treatment can be effective for fungal nail infections in children whose nails are thinner than adults.

Northwest Iranian dermatophyte isolates: anthropophilic and geophilic

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Researchers in northwestern Iran studied fungal infections of skin, hair, and nails by identifying different types of dermatophytes from patient samples and soil. They found that a fungus called Trichophyton mentagrophytes was the most common cause, but also discovered a rare fungus called Myriodontium keratinophilum causing nail infections. Using modern DNA testing methods, they identified seven different dermatophyte species and several other soil fungi, providing important information about fungal infections in this region.

Superficial Fungal Infections in the Pediatric Dermatological Population of Northern Poland

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This study examined fungal skin infections in children and teens in Northern Poland over six years, finding that about 1 in 5 children tested had a fungal infection. Different types of fungal infections were more common at different ages—younger children more often had scalp infections, while teenagers more often had foot and nail infections. The study found that children living in rural areas had higher infection rates than those in cities, suggesting that environmental factors play an important role in fungal infection patterns.

Antimicrobial effects and mechanisms of hydrogen sulphide against nail pathogens

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Researchers discovered that hydrogen sulphide (H2S), a small gas molecule, can effectively kill the fungi and bacteria that cause painful nail infections. Unlike current treatments that struggle to penetrate into the nail, hydrogen sulphide easily diffuses through the nail plate. The study found that H2S works by damaging the fungi’s respiratory system and creating harmful reactive oxygen species, while also modifying proteins in a way that disrupts their normal function. This innovative approach could offer patients a new topical treatment option for nail infections that have been difficult to treat with existing medications.

A case of refractory onychomycosis caused by Kloeckera apiculata: Successful treatment with itraconazole

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A 32-year-old man had a stubborn fungal nail infection caused by an extremely rare yeast called Kloeckera apiculata that didn’t respond to three different antifungal treatments over several years. After being identified through specialized laboratory testing including genetic sequencing, the infection was successfully cured with a 3-month course of the oral antifungal medication itraconazole. This case is notable because it is only the fourth known case of this rare fungal infection in humans and the first one to achieve complete cure with itraconazole treatment.

Endocarditis caused by Scopulariopsis brevicaulis with disseminated emboli and multiple vascular aneurysms: A case report and literature review

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A 61-year-old man with a prosthetic aortic valve developed a rare fungal infection caused by Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, a mold usually associated with nail infections. The infection spread throughout his body, causing multiple strokes and aneurysms that required emergency surgery and treatment with various antifungal medications. This case highlights the serious complications that can occur when this typically harmless fungus invades the heart and demonstrates the challenges doctors face in treating such rare infections, as the fungus was resistant to many common antifungal drugs.

Treatment and diagnostic challenges associated with the novel and rapidly emerging antifungal-resistant dermatophyte, Trichophyton indotineae

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A new type of fungal infection called Trichophyton indotineae has emerged and spread globally, particularly from India. It causes widespread skin infections that are difficult to treat because the fungus resists common antifungal medications. Doctors and laboratories need to be aware of this infection to properly identify it and choose effective treatments, especially for patients with travel history to affected regions.

Deep learning application to hyphae and spores identification in fungal fluorescence images

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Researchers developed an artificial intelligence system using two deep learning models to automatically identify fungal infections in microscope images. The system analyzes fluorescence-stained samples to detect fungal spores, hyphae, and mycelium with accuracy matching experienced doctors. This automated approach can significantly reduce the time clinicians spend examining samples and help prevent misdiagnosis, especially in hospitals with fewer specialist technicians.

Performance of the VITEK® MS system for the identification of filamentous fungi in a microbiological laboratory in Chile

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This study tested a rapid fungal identification system called VITEK® MS in a Chilean hospital laboratory. The system uses mass spectrometry technology to identify mold species quickly and accurately, often within 48-72 hours. Results showed the system correctly identified over 91% of fungal samples without any mistakes, making it a valuable tool for diagnosing serious fungal infections in hospitalized patients.

Epidermophyton floccosum, an etiological agent of tinea pedis and tinea unguium: about two cases

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Two elderly patients with toenail and foot fungal infections caused by Epidermophyton floccosum were diagnosed using modern molecular testing methods. Traditional microscopic examination alone was difficult, but real-time PCR provided accurate identification. Both patients were treated with terbinafine, a common antifungal medication. The study highlights how modern DNA testing improves diagnosis compared to older methods.

Disease: Onychomycosis