antifungal resistance – Page 9

Fungus-targeted nanomicelles enable microRNA delivery for suppression of virulence in Aspergillus fumigatus as a novel antifungal approach

mycolabadmin

Researchers developed a new way to fight dangerous fungal infections caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, which increasingly resists standard antifungal drugs. They used tiny molecules called microRNAs packaged in even tinier delivery vehicles to turn off genes that help the fungus survive. When these microRNAs were introduced, the fungus became much more vulnerable to the body’s immune system and to stress. This novel approach could eventually help treat infections that are otherwise difficult to cure.

Antifungal effect of soil Bacillus bacteria on pathogenic species of the fungal genera Aspergillus and Trichophyton

mycolabadmin

Scientists found that certain bacteria naturally occurring in soil can effectively kill harmful fungi that cause infections in humans. By isolating and testing different Bacillus bacteria species, researchers discovered that some were even more effective at inhibiting fungal growth than commonly used antifungal medications. This finding suggests a promising natural alternative to combat fungal infections, especially as many fungi are becoming resistant to traditional antifungal drugs.

Spread of Antifungal-Resistant Trichophyton indotineae, United Kingdom, 2017–2024

mycolabadmin

A dangerous fungal infection called Trichophyton indotineae is rapidly spreading across the United Kingdom, particularly among people with connections to South Asia. This infection causes stubborn skin rashes that don’t respond well to common antifungal treatments like terbinafine. The number of cases has skyrocketed, making up 38% of all dermatophyte infections by 2024, and doctors need to be aware of this emerging threat.

Antifungal stewardship in the UK: where are we now?

mycolabadmin

Fungal infections are becoming more common and dangerous because some fungi are developing resistance to antifungal medicines. UK hospitals struggle to manage these infections due to lack of funding, staffing, and limited access to fungal testing services. The paper recommends creating regional fungal expertise centers and setting national standards to improve how antifungal medications are used and monitored across the country.

Clinico-mycological study of superficial mycoses and correlation with anti-fungal susceptibility among the Candida isolates in a teaching institution of Western India

mycolabadmin

This study examined fungal skin infections in 330 patients in Western India, identifying which fungi cause these infections and which antifungal drugs work best. Researchers found that Candida yeasts were especially common in nail infections while Trichophyton fungi were more common in skin infections. The antifungal drug caspofungin was most effective against Candida, while the commonly used drug fluconazole showed increasing resistance.

Synergistic potential and apoptosis induction of Bunium persicum essential oil and its pure components, cuminaldehyde and γ-terpinene, in combination with fluconazole on Candida albicans isolates: in vitro and in silico evaluation

mycolabadmin

Researchers studied how an essential oil from black cumin seeds (Bunium persicum) and two of its key active components could work together with the antifungal drug fluconazole to fight Candida albicans infections, including drug-resistant strains. Using laboratory tests and computer modeling, they found that cuminaldehyde, one of the main components, was particularly effective when combined with fluconazole, killing yeast cells through multiple mechanisms. This suggests that natural plant compounds could be valuable partners with conventional antifungal medications to overcome drug resistance.

Ploidy plasticity drives fungal resistance to azoles used in agriculture and clinics

mycolabadmin

Researchers discovered that a common agricultural fungicide can cause fungal cells to change their genetic structure in ways that make them resistant to medicines used to treat human infections. The fungus Candida tropicalis can switch to a haploid state (single copy of genes instead of two) when exposed to this agricultural chemical, and these altered cells become resistant to both agricultural and medical antifungal drugs. This explains how resistance that develops in agricultural settings can spread to clinical settings, creating a public health threat.

Safety and efficacy of the swift microwave device in patients with mild-to-moderate onychomycosis: Protocol of an open-label, randomized, dose-finding pilot study

mycolabadmin

This study evaluates a new microwave device (Swift System) as a potential treatment for fungal nail infections (onychomycosis). The device uses microwave energy to heat and eliminate fungal infections directly at the nail site, avoiding the side effects of oral medications. Researchers tested three different treatment schedules in 39 patients over 12 months to find the most effective dosing approach.

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

mycolabadmin

Researchers studied fungal infections in urine samples from hospitalized patients and found that while the common yeast Candida albicans was most prevalent, other Candida species were increasingly resistant to antifungal medications. Using advanced genetic testing methods, they identified seven different Candida species and tested their resistance to three common antifungal drugs. The findings highlight the growing problem of drug-resistant fungal infections and the need for better diagnostic tools to identify which species is causing infection so appropriate treatment can be selected.

Evaluation of Clinical, Microbiological Profiles and Management Patterns with Outcomes of Patients with Fungal Isolates in An Intensive Care Unit of A Tertiary Care Center: A Prospective Observational Study

mycolabadmin

This study examined fungal infections in intensive care unit patients at a major hospital in India. Researchers found that diabetes was the most common risk factor, and most infections were caused by Candida species found in urine samples. Many fungal isolates were resistant to common antifungal drugs like fluconazole, suggesting doctors need to be more careful about which medications they use to treat these infections.

Research Keyword: antifungal resistance