antifungal susceptibility testing – Page 7

Fungi under fire: diagnostic capacities and antifungal availability in Peruvian healthcare facilities

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This study examined how well Peruvian hospitals can diagnose and treat serious fungal infections across the country. Researchers surveyed 54 healthcare centers and found that while basic fungal tests are available everywhere, advanced diagnostic tools and certain antifungal medications are mostly limited to the capital city of Lima. The research identifies major gaps in care that need to be addressed to help more patients survive these serious infections.

Acute fungal endometritis in women with abnormal uterine bleeding: Clinical and microbiological insights

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This study examined a rare fungal infection of the uterus called fungal endometritis that causes abnormal bleeding and discomfort in women. Researchers found that about 12% of women with unexplained abnormal bleeding had this fungal infection, which was caused by different species of Candida yeast. A simple test using vaginal swabs was not effective for diagnosis; instead, doctors needed to take samples directly from the uterine lining. Treatment with an antifungal medication called voriconazole combined with surgical cleaning was successful in all cases studied.

Invasive Fusarium rhinosinusitis in COVID-19 patients: report of three cases with successful management

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This study reports three cases of rare fungal sinus infections caused by Fusarium species that developed in COVID-19 patients. All three patients were successfully treated with a combination of surgical removal of infected tissue and antifungal medications. The cases highlight how COVID-19 and the use of steroids to treat it can increase the risk of serious fungal infections, emphasizing the importance of early detection and prompt treatment.

Spectrum of Fungal Infections in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis: A 20-Year Retrospective Study From a Tertiary Care Center

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This study examined fungal infections in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) over 20 years at an Indian medical center. Researchers found that yeast infections, particularly Candida tropicalis, were more common than mold infections, with Aspergillus flavus being the most frequent mold. The study identified several rare and emerging fungi causing these serious infections and tested their susceptibility to antifungal medications. Results show that removing the dialysis catheter combined with appropriate antifungal treatment is crucial for patient survival.

Caspofungin therapy in prosthetic valve endocarditis and candidemia due to itraconazole-resistant Candida glabrata (Nakaseomyces glabratus): A case report

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A 13-year-old boy developed a serious fungal infection of his heart valve after receiving an artificial valve replacement. The initial antibiotic (itraconazole) did not work because the fungus became resistant, likely by forming a protective biofilm. After identifying the resistant fungus through specialized testing, doctors switched to a different medication called caspofungin. The patient fully recovered with this new treatment and remained healthy during follow-up, showing that combination of precise identification and targeted treatment can overcome antibiotic resistance.

Integrating Machine Learning and Molecular Methods for Trichophyton indotineae Identification and Resistance Profiling Using MALDI-TOF Spectra

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A new type of fungus called Trichophyton indotineae is causing stubborn skin infections that don’t respond well to standard antifungal treatments. Researchers used advanced laboratory techniques combined with computer analysis to better identify this fungus from MALDI-TOF spectra, which is a quick fingerprinting method for microorganisms. The study showed that machine learning could accurately distinguish this problematic fungus from similar species and found specific markers that could help clinics detect it faster, potentially improving patient treatment outcomes.

Invasive Saprochaete capitata Infection in an Immunocompromised Patient With Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Case Report

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A 46-year-old man with blood cancer developed a serious fungal infection caused by Saprochaete capitata during chemotherapy. This rare but dangerous fungus was found in his blood and lungs, causing fever and breathing problems. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of two antifungal medications and fully recovered, though this infection typically has a high death rate.

Antifungal stewardship in the UK: where are we now?

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This paper examines how well the UK is currently managing antifungal stewardship—the appropriate use of antifungal medications to treat serious fungal infections while preventing resistance. Experts found that since 2017, progress has been limited due to lack of funding and staff expertise, difficulties accessing timely fungal diagnostic tests, and disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. The panel recommends creating regional mycology networks and diagnostic centres, establishing national standards for antifungal practices, and improving education about fungal infections to better prepare the UK for rising fungal disease threats.

Epidemiology and outcomes of Candida-associated osteoarticular infections: A multicentre retrospective study from Turkey

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Researchers in Turkey studied 73 patients with rare bone and joint infections caused by Candida fungi over 10 years. They found that about half of the infections were caused by species other than the common C. albicans, with some showing resistance to fluconazole antibiotics. Surgical procedures to clean out infected tissue significantly improved patient recovery, while patients with diabetes had worse outcomes and recovered less completely.

Addressing filamentous fungi-related onychomycosis in the era of antifungal resistance: assessment of Zataria multiflora nanostructured lipid carrier topical gel in a double-blinded clinical trial

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Nail fungal infections (onychomycosis) are difficult to treat, especially as fungi become resistant to standard antifungal medications. Researchers tested a new gel made from Zataria multiflora (Shirazi thyme) packaged in special nanoparticles that help the medicine penetrate the nail better. In a clinical trial comparing this gel to placebo, the Zataria multiflora treatment showed better results after just 2 weeks, with 70% of patients experiencing fungal cure compared to 55% with placebo.

Research Keyword: antifungal susceptibility testing