antifungal susceptibility testing – Page 6

First case of invasive Rasamsonia argillacea in a child with chronic granulomatous disease in Qatar

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A 16-year-old girl with a rare immune system disorder called chronic granulomatous disease developed a serious fungal infection caused by Rasamsonia argillacea, a fungus that is not commonly seen in clinical practice. The infection presented as a painful collection in her chest wall that required surgery and multiple antifungal medications. This is the first reported case of this particular fungal infection in the Arabian Peninsula, and successful treatment required a combination of drugs chosen based on laboratory testing of the fungus’s resistance patterns.

Disseminated sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis with testicular involvement

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This case report describes a rare fungal infection caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis in a 35-year-old man living with HIV/AIDS. The infection spread throughout his body, affecting his skin, lungs, brain, and testicles. Doctors initially thought the testicular involvement was cancer and removed the testicle, but lab tests confirmed it was a fungal infection. The patient was successfully treated with antifungal medications and remains disease-free one year later.

Insights into Persian Gulf Beach Sand Mycobiomes: Promises and Challenges in Fungal Diversity

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Researchers studied fungi living in beach sand and seawater along Iran’s Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman coastlines to understand potential health risks. They found that dangerous fungi, particularly Aspergillus species, were present at levels exceeding safe thresholds for swimmers and beach visitors. Many of these fungi showed resistance to common antifungal medications, which is concerning for people with weakened immune systems. The study suggests that beaches need better monitoring and sanitation programs to protect public health.

First human case of Eidernor doerrieniae colonization in a peritoneal dialysis catheter: A warning from silent contamination

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A 52-year-old man on peritoneal dialysis noticed brownish particles in his dialysis catheter. Doctors identified the particles as a rare fungus called Eidernor doerrieniae, which had never been found in humans before. Although the patient had no symptoms, doctors immediately removed the catheter and treated him with antifungal medications, which successfully cured the infection. This case shows why patients and doctors should take visible particles in dialysis catheters seriously, even when there are no obvious signs of infection.

ESCMID-EFISG Survey on Diagnostic and Therapeutic Capacity for Invasive Fungal Infections in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg: A Focus on High Azole Resistance

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This survey examined how well hospitals in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg can diagnose and treat serious fungal infections, especially in patients whose immune systems are weakened. The researchers found that while most hospitals have good access to testing and antifungal medications, some important tests are still missing, and many hospitals send samples to other facilities for testing, which can delay treatment. Since this region has unusually high rates of fungal infections that resist common antifungal drugs, improving access to advanced diagnostic tests is crucial for patient survival.

Case Commentary: Successful use of olorofim for the treatment of multi-drug-resistant Lomentospora prolificans infection in a child

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A young girl contracted a dangerous drug-resistant fungal infection in her knee after an injury, which failed to respond to standard antifungal treatments. Doctors obtained special access to an experimental antifungal drug called olorofim through a compassionate use program. The child showed improvement within two weeks and was completely cured after six months of treatment with no signs of the infection returning two years later, making this the first successful case of this new drug being used in a child.

In Vitro Activity of Nitroxoline (5-Nitro-8-Hydroxyquinoline) Against Aspergillus Species

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Researchers tested an old antibiotic called nitroxoline against dangerous fungal infections caused by Aspergillus species. The drug works by removing essential zinc that the fungus needs to survive. The study found that nitroxoline was highly effective against all tested fungal strains, including those resistant to modern antifungal drugs, suggesting it could be a promising alternative treatment for serious fungal infections.

Candida vulturna, the Next Fungal Menace? A Narrative Review

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Candida vulturna is a newly identified fungus that causes serious bloodstream infections, particularly in newborns and hospitalized patients in tropical regions. Unlike many common fungal infections, it resists several antifungal medications, though it remains susceptible to certain antibiotics called echinocandins. Scientists have documented 94 cases worldwide, including three hospital outbreaks, and the infection has a relatively low death rate of 18%. Accurate identification requires genetic testing since standard hospital laboratory tests often misidentify this pathogen.

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

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Researchers tested healthy cats in Chile and found that about 5% carried a fungus called Microsporum canis that can cause ringworm. This fungus was resistant to a common antifungal drug called fluconazole. Indoor cats were more likely to carry the fungus than outdoor cats. Because cats can spread this fungus to people, identifying carrier cats is important for preventing human infections.

First case report of tinea corporis caused by Trichophyton indotineae in Latin America

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A 21-year-old woman in Argentina developed a persistent skin infection caused by a fungus called Trichophyton indotineae, likely acquired during travel to Mexico. The infection did not respond to common antifungal medications like terbinafine, but responded well to treatment with a special formulation of itraconazole that was completely effective within four weeks. This case represents the first documented occurrence of this emerging fungal pathogen in Latin America and highlights the importance of molecular identification when standard treatments fail.

Research Keyword: antifungal susceptibility testing