antifungal therapy – Page 10

A case report of disseminated histoplasmosis not responding to primary treatment by itraconazole

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A healthy 28-year-old woman developed a serious fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum after dental surgery. The standard antifungal medication (itraconazole) did not work for her, even at high doses. Doctors successfully treated her with a more powerful antifungal drug called liposomal amphotericin B, which cleared the infection completely. This case shows the importance of adjusting treatment when patients don’t respond to initial therapy.

Dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton benhamiae in a sea lion. First report

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A 13-year-old sea lion in a marine park developed ringworm-like skin lesions caused by a fungus called Trichophyton benhamiae, marking the first time this fungus has been identified in this species. Scientists identified the fungus using DNA testing and found it was resistant to common antifungal drugs, so they treated it with a combination of oral medication (terbinafine), topical ozonized oil, and a liver-protecting supplement. After three months of treatment, the sea lion’s skin healed completely.

Rhino sinusitis caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae in a diabetic patient

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A 56-year-old diabetic man developed a sinus infection caused by a rare fungus called Lasiodiplodia theobromae, which typically affects plants. The infection was diagnosed through laboratory testing and DNA sequencing, as traditional identification methods were inconclusive. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of sinus surgery and a six-week course of antifungal medication, showing complete recovery after one year of follow-up.

Transcription factor RonA-driven GlcNAc catabolism is essential for growth, cell wall integrity, and pathogenicity in Aspergillus fumigatus

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Researchers identified how a deadly fungus called Aspergillus fumigatus uses a special nutrient (GlcNAc) to survive and cause disease. They found that a protein called RonA controls this nutrient processing and also helps the fungus hide from the immune system by building a protective outer coating. When RonA is disabled, the fungus becomes much less dangerous because the immune system can recognize it better. This discovery suggests RonA could be a new target for developing antifungal drugs.

A Rare Battle: Multidisciplinary Care for a Child with Rhino-Orbital Cerebral Mucormycosis in Somali Region of Ethiopia

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A 12-year-old girl with poorly controlled diabetes developed a serious fungal infection in her sinuses and eye that spread to her brain. Despite the infection being extremely dangerous, doctors successfully treated her using multiple approaches including antifungal medication, surgery to remove infected tissue, and careful management of her blood sugar. She recovered and went home, though she lost vision in one eye.

Immunomodulatory functions of fungal melanins in respiratory infections

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Some dangerous fungi produce a dark pigment called melanin that acts like a cloak, protecting them from the body’s immune system. This review explains how melanin blocks multiple immune defenses, including suppressing warning signals to immune cells, preventing immune cells from engulfing and killing the fungi, and even absorbing harmful reactive molecules. Understanding these sneaky tactics could help scientists develop new treatments that strip away this protective cloak, making the fungi vulnerable to both the body’s natural defenses and antifungal drugs.

Awareness and perception of invasive fungal diseases among the Nigerian population

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This study found that very few Nigerians (only about 19%) are aware of serious fungal infections like candidiasis and aspergillosis, and most people don’t understand how dangerous these diseases can be. The researchers surveyed over 1,200 people and discovered that people with more education and higher incomes were more likely to know about these infections. The findings suggest that Nigeria urgently needs public health campaigns and education programs to help people recognize fungal diseases early so they can get proper treatment.

A case report of disseminated histoplasmosis not responding to primary treatment by itraconazole

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A 28-year-old woman developed a serious fungal infection (histoplasmosis) after dental surgery that was initially misdiagnosed as a bacterial infection. Although she was treated with an antifungal medication called itraconazole, her condition worsened with larger lung lesions appearing. When switched to a stronger intravenous antifungal called liposomal amphotericin B, she rapidly improved and fully recovered, demonstrating the importance of adjusting treatment when patients don’t respond as expected.

Sandalwood Sesquiterpene (Z)-α-Santalol Exhibits In Vivo Efficacy Against Madurella mycetomatis in Galleria mellonella Larvae

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Researchers tested sandalwood oil components against a fungal disease called eumycetoma that causes serious skin infections, especially in tropical regions. They found that one component called (Z)-α-santalol was highly effective at killing the fungus and extending survival in laboratory-infected moth larvae, while actually being relatively safe. This natural compound shows promise as a potential new treatment for this neglected disease that currently relies on expensive drugs that are only 40% effective.

Healthcare-associated fungal infections and emerging pathogens during the COVID-19 pandemic

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, fungal infections became a major health concern, especially in hospitalized patients. Treatments for COVID-19, such as steroids and immunosuppressive drugs, weakened patients’ immune systems, making them vulnerable to serious fungal infections like those caused by Candida auris. Current antifungal medications have significant side effects and many fungi are developing resistance, so scientists are urgently seeking safer and more effective antifungal treatments.

Research Keyword: antifungal therapy