Antifungal resistance mechanisms

Addressing Critical Fungal Pathogens Under a One Health Perspective: Key Insights from the Portuguese Association of Medical Mycology

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Four dangerous fungal species pose growing threats to human health worldwide, especially for people with weakened immune systems. Portugal’s medical experts have reviewed the current situation, finding these fungi increasingly resistant to treatment, present in hospitals and the environment, and occasionally spreading from animals to people. The review emphasizes the need for better testing, coordinated tracking systems, and approaches that consider human, animal, and environmental health together to combat this emerging crisis.

Humans vs. Fungi: An Overview of Fungal Pathogens against Humans

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Fungal infections are serious health threats that kill approximately 1.5 million people annually worldwide. This comprehensive review identifies over 280 different fungal species that can infect humans, with Aspergillus being the most dangerous genus. The study provides updated information on how these infections are diagnosed through various methods including cultures, microscopy, and molecular testing, as well as treatment options ranging from traditional antifungal drugs to newer therapies like nanotechnology-based formulations.

Prevalence and antifungal susceptibility profiles of Candida isolates among patients with candiduria: a multiplex PCR assay

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Researchers studied urinary tract infections caused by yeast (Candida species) in hospitalized patients. Using advanced molecular testing, they found that while the common yeast Candida albicans was most prevalent, other yeast species were increasingly showing resistance to antifungal medications, particularly to fluconazole. The study highlights the importance of identifying which specific yeast species is causing an infection to choose the most effective treatment.

Prevalence and antifungal susceptibility profiles of Candida isolates among patients with candiduria: a multiplex PCR assay

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This study examined Candida yeast infections in urine samples from hospitalized patients in Iran. Researchers identified seven different Candida species using a specialized PCR test and tested how well they responded to three antifungal medications. They found that while Candida albicans was most common, other species showed much higher resistance to fluconazole treatment. The findings highlight the importance of proper species identification for choosing the right treatment.

Antifungal susceptibility testing of Microsporum canis isolated from the skin of dermatologically healthy cats

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Researchers found that about 5% of healthy cats in Chile carry a fungal infection called Microsporum canis that can spread to humans. The concerning discovery is that all strains tested were resistant to fluconazole, a commonly used antifungal medication. The study shows that indoor cats are at higher risk of carrying this fungus and suggests that screening healthy cats could help prevent transmission to people who have close contact with them.

Metabolic Patterns of Fluconazole Resistant and Susceptible Candida auris Clade V and I

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Researchers used advanced chemical analysis to identify different compounds produced by a dangerous fungus called Candida auris that can cause serious infections. They compared fungal strains that were resistant to the antifungal drug fluconazole with those that were susceptible, finding that resistant strains produced different metabolites (chemical compounds) than susceptible ones. These findings could help doctors develop better treatments by identifying what makes this fungus resistant to current medications.

Severe Saprochaete capitata fungemia presenting as micafungin breakthrough hepatosplenic lesions in an immunocompromised patient: case report

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A 70-year-old woman with blood cancer developed a serious fungal blood infection caused by Saprochaete capitata, a rare soil fungus, despite taking preventive antifungal medication. The infection spread to her liver and spleen, creating multiple lesions and a dangerous aneurysm. Doctors successfully treated her with a combination of three antifungal drugs, particularly voriconazole, which proved more effective than the initial preventive medication. This case highlights how rare fungi can cause severe infections in cancer patients and the importance of recognizing when standard preventive treatments are not working.

Emergence of resistant dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton indotineae: First case series in Thailand

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Researchers in Thailand identified five patients with a new type of fungal skin infection caused by Trichophyton indotineae, a species that resists the common antifungal drug terbinafine. These infections appeared as rashes on various parts of the body and required treatment with alternative medications like itraconazole. The findings represent the first confirmed cases in Thailand and suggest this resistant fungus may be spreading globally. The study also showed that a simple urease test could help doctors identify this resistant strain quickly without waiting for complex genetic testing.

John Perfect Shares Insights on Infectious Diseases, Antifungal Therapy, and Drug Resistance

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Dr. John Perfect shares decades of experience treating fungal infections and developing antifungal medications. He discusses how treatments have evolved from highly toxic drugs to more effective options, but notes that fungal infections remain challenging, especially when patients develop resistance or have serious underlying diseases. He emphasizes the importance of combining drugs with immune therapies and shorter, more potent treatments rather than lengthy medication courses. Despite challenges, Dr. Perfect is optimistic about the future of medicine and encourages young scientists to pursue careers in this field.

A Review on Aspergillosis in Turkey: As a Main Fungal Disease in Poultry

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Aspergillosis is a serious fungal disease affecting turkeys, especially young birds, caused by breathing in fungal spores from moldy hay, compost or poorly ventilated housing. The disease causes respiratory problems, can spread to other organs, and can kill 30-50% of affected flocks. Prevention through good ventilation, clean housing and dry feed is more effective than treatment since few antifungal drugs are approved for food animals. Understanding how environmental conditions promote this disease is key to protecting turkey populations.

Research Keyword: Antifungal resistance mechanisms