antifungal resistance – Page 18

Phospholipase PlcH is involved in the secretion of cell wall glycoproteins and contributes to the host immune response of Aspergillus fumigatus

mycolabadmin

Researchers discovered that an enzyme called PlcH helps a dangerous mold called Aspergillus fumigatus release protective proteins into its cell wall. These proteins help the fungus survive and evade the immune system. When scientists removed the gene for PlcH, the fungus became weaker and more vulnerable to both antifungal drugs and immune cells, suggesting PlcH could be a target for new antifungal treatments.

The cyclase-associated protein contributes to antifungal susceptibility and virulence in Aspergillus fumigatus

mycolabadmin

Researchers found that removing a specific protein called CAP from a dangerous mold called Aspergillus fumigatus makes it much weaker and easier to kill with antifungal drugs. This mold normally causes serious lung infections in people with weak immune systems. The study showed that CAP helps the mold grow and resist medicines, and blocking it could be a new way to treat these dangerous infections.

SUB6 Subtilisin is Involved During the Initial Adhesion of Trichophyton benhamiae and T. mentagrophytes onto Reconstructed Human Epidermis

mycolabadmin

This study examined how a fungal protein called SUB6 helps dermatophytes (fungi causing ringworm) stick to human skin. Researchers used genetically modified fungi without SUB6 and found that these strains had difficulty initially attaching to skin but eventually infected it anyway. The results suggest SUB6 is a useful marker for detecting fungal infections but isn’t absolutely necessary for the fungus to cause disease.

Localized Versus Diffuse Corneal Invasion in Fungal Keratitis: Histological Insights from Candida albicans and Fusarium falciforme

mycolabadmin

This study compared how two types of fungi invade the cornea of the eye. Candida albicans, a yeast, stayed localized to where it entered the eye and was easier to control surgically. In contrast, Fusarium falciforme, a mold, spread aggressively throughout the entire cornea and was much harder to treat. Understanding these different invasion patterns helps explain why some fungal eye infections are more difficult to manage than others.

Changing Climate, Changing Candida: Environmental and Social Pressures on Invasive Candidiasis and Antifungal Resistance in Latin America

mycolabadmin

Invasive fungal infections caused by Candida species are becoming increasingly common and dangerous in Latin American hospitals, with newer strains showing resistance to multiple antifungal drugs. Rising temperatures from climate change and widespread use of fungicides in agriculture appear to be selecting for these resistant fungi. Most hospitals in the region lack advanced diagnostic tools to quickly identify which fungal strain is causing infection, leading to delayed and sometimes inappropriate treatment. Implementing better diagnostic access, stricter antifungal use policies, and coordinated surveillance programs across the region could help control this growing public health problem.

The frequency distribution of Aspergillus section Nigri from clinical and environmental samples in Iran

mycolabadmin

Researchers studied black mold species (Aspergillus section Nigri) found in hospitals and the environment across Iran. They identified eight different species and found that certain types like A. welwitschiae were more common in ear infections while A. tubingensis was more prevalent in soil and air. These findings are important because some of these molds cause serious infections in humans and understanding where they live helps doctors predict and treat infections.

Magnusiomyces capitatus bloodstream infection in a patient with acute monocytic leukemia: A rare case report

mycolabadmin

A 26-year-old patient with acute leukemia developed a rare fungal bloodstream infection caused by Magnusiomyces capitatus during cancer treatment. The infection was identified through advanced laboratory techniques including DNA sequencing and mass spectrometry. The patient was successfully treated with amphotericin B, highlighting the importance of rapid and accurate fungal identification for better patient outcomes.

Characterization of Biofilm Formation by the Dermatophyte Nannizzia gypsea

mycolabadmin

This study examined how Nannizzia gypsea, a fungus that causes skin infections in humans and animals, forms protective biofilms that make it resistant to antifungal drugs. Researchers found that the fungus creates a robust protective layer with specific molecular components and highly expresses genes related to virulence and drug resistance when in biofilm form. These findings help explain why dermatophyte infections are difficult to treat and recur frequently.

Identification of Non-fumigatus Aspergillus Species in Clinical Samples from Southern California

mycolabadmin

Researchers studied fungal infections caused by Aspergillus in Southern California from 2012 to 2023, examining over 10,000 patients. They found that species other than the commonly known A. fumigatus were actually more prevalent in clinical samples, particularly A. niger from skin and nail infections. Importantly, these non-fumigatus species showed seasonal patterns and some carry resistance to standard antifungal medications, suggesting doctors may need to adjust their treatment approaches for fungal infections.

Invasive fungal infections caused by rare yeast-like fungi in adult patients: results of a prospective study

mycolabadmin

This study examined rare fungal infections in 30 critically ill adult patients over 18 years, finding that infections caused by uncommon yeasts like Trichosporon and Rhodotorula affected mainly long-term ICU patients with central lines. Despite treatment with antifungal medications, about 37% of patients died, highlighting the serious nature of these infections. The research emphasizes the importance of quickly identifying the specific fungus causing infection and using appropriate medications, along with removing infected catheters, to improve patient survival.

Research Keyword: antifungal resistance