antifungal susceptibility testing – Page 8

First report of infections due to Candidozyma (formerly Candida) auris in Botswana, 2022–2024

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Researchers in Botswana discovered the first documented cases of a dangerous fungal infection called Candidozyma auris in their country. This yeast was found in 10 patients at a major hospital, mostly in intensive care units, between 2022 and 2024. The fungus was resistant to common antifungal drugs like fluconazole but could still be treated with other medications. The findings highlight how this emerging pathogen is spreading across Africa and stress the importance of improved laboratory testing and disease monitoring in developing countries.

Phaeohyphomycosis due to Nigrograna chromolaenae in a cardiac transplant patient

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A 71-year-old heart transplant patient developed a slowly growing bump on his finger caused by a rare fungus called Nigrograna chromolaenae. Doctors initially tried common antifungal medications that didn’t work well, but the patient improved significantly when switched to posaconazole treatment. This is the first documented case of this particular fungus infecting a human, highlighting the importance of accurately identifying fungi to choose the right treatment.

The refractory nailbed ulceration caused by Candida parapsilosis after nail extraction

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An 82-year-old woman developed a stubborn ulcer on her toenail bed after having the nail surgically removed to treat an infected nail fold. Testing revealed the ulcer was caused by a yeast called Candida parapsilosis, which typically causes infections after physical trauma or injury to the skin. Treatment with an antifungal medication called fluconazole successfully healed the ulcer over three months. This is the first reported case of this specific type of infection following nail removal and highlights the importance of properly identifying the cause of chronic nail infections.

A novel pan-fungal screening platform for antifungal drug discovery: proof of principle study

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Researchers developed a faster, more efficient screening method to test potential antifungal drugs against multiple disease-causing fungi simultaneously. Using an improved growth medium and screening 500 chemical fragments, they identified compounds with antifungal activity and demonstrated the platform can reliably detect promising drug candidates. This approach could accelerate the discovery of new antifungal medications, which are urgently needed as fungi develop resistance to current treatments.

Cryptococcus albidus (Naganishia albida) meningitis in a young patient with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

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A 16-year-old boy with blood cancer (T-ALL) developed a brain infection caused by a rare fungus called Cryptococcus albidus. Doctors initially thought he had a viral infection caused by herpes, but tests on his spinal fluid revealed the true fungal culprit. He was treated with antifungal medications that led to his recovery, emphasizing the importance of thorough testing when immunocompromised patients develop serious infections.

Pan-Indian Clinical Registry of Invasive Fungal Infections Among Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: Protocol for a Multicentric Prospective Study

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Fungal infections are a serious hidden threat in hospital intensive care units, particularly for patients with weakened immune systems. This study establishes India’s first comprehensive database system to track fungal infections across 8 major medical centers nationwide. By collecting detailed information about these infections and how they respond to treatments, the research aims to help doctors diagnose and treat fungal infections faster and more effectively. The findings will guide better clinical practices and public health policies to combat these often-neglected but deadly infections.

In vitro activity of SF001: a next-generation polyene versus amphotericin B

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This study tested a new antifungal drug called SF001 against a well-established antifungal called amphotericin B. Researchers tested both drugs against common fungal infections affecting vulnerable patients. SF001 was found to work as well as or better than amphotericin B, particularly against harder-to-treat Aspergillus fungi, while potentially causing fewer side effects.

When Emerging Fungal Infections Mimic Tuberculosis: First Reported Case of Invasive Emergomyces europaeus Infection in a Man With Immunocompromise Living in France

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A 65-year-old man living in France who received a kidney transplant developed a serious fungal infection caused by Emergomyces europaeus, a rare fungus that initially appeared to be tuberculosis. Doctors used advanced genetic testing to identify the unusual fungus in samples from his lungs and bone marrow. The patient was treated with a combination of antifungal medications, which successfully cleared the infection. This is the first time this particular fungal infection has been documented in France and highlights how emerging infections can mimic more common diseases.

Research Keyword: antifungal susceptibility testing