antifungal therapy – Page 3

Sarocladium implicatum: an unusual agent of opportunistic infection in a COVID-19 patient

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A patient hospitalized with severe COVID-19 developed an unusual infection caused by a mold called Sarocladium implicatum, which typically affects plants. Due to weakened immune system from his illness and medications, the fungus spread to his bloodstream and lungs, causing persistent fever and a cavity in his lung. After molecular testing identified the fungus, he was treated with an antifungal medication called voriconazole, which successfully cured the infection.

A rare case of invasive necrotizing myositis of the thigh caused by Basidiobolus ranarum: a multi-pronged approach to successfully managing a near-fatal polybacterial mycotic infection

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A 46-year-old man developed a severe, spreading infection of his thigh muscle caused by a rare fungus called Basidiobolus ranarum, likely from an insect bite years earlier that was neglected. The infection became life-threatening when bacteria also invaded the tissue, causing widespread muscle death and bloodstream infection. Doctors treated him with multiple antifungal medications, antibiotics, surgery, and eventually had to amputate his leg to save his life. After six weeks of intensive care combining several medications including potassium iodide and extended oral antifungal therapy, the wound finally healed.

The very-long-chain (3R)-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydratase Phs1 regulates ATP levels and virulence in Cryptococcus neoformans

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Researchers found that a protein called Phs1, which helps Cryptococcus neoformans (a dangerous fungus) produce essential fatty acids, is important for the fungus to cause disease. When this protein was removed, the fungus produced less melanin (a pigment), couldn’t grow well at body temperature, and had a weaker cell wall. Most importantly, the fungus produced less energy (ATP) and was much less deadly in infected mice, suggesting that blocking Phs1 could potentially be a new way to treat cryptococcal infections.

Transcriptomics Insights into Targeting CK2 Complex in Cryptococcus neoformans: Implications for Large-Scale Antifungal Virtual Screening

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Scientists studied how a fungus called Cryptococcus neoformans causes serious brain infections and found that disabling a specific protein complex (CK2) could be an effective treatment strategy. Using computer analysis of genetic data, they identified three existing drugs—amphotericin B, idarubicin, and candicidin—that could potentially target and kill this dangerous fungus. This research provides a foundation for developing better treatments for cryptococcal meningitis, a life-threatening infection that kills hundreds of thousands of people annually, especially those with weakened immune systems.

Diagnostic performance of Aspergillus-specific immunoglobulin G immunochromatographic and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay testing in chronic pulmonary aspergillosis: comparative analysis across subtypes and influencing factors

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This study compared two blood tests for diagnosing chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA), a chronic fungal lung infection caused by Aspergillus. The rapid immunochromatographic test (ICT) performed better overall than the traditional ELISA laboratory test, making it more useful as a quick diagnostic tool, especially in areas without advanced laboratory facilities. However, both tests were less accurate in patients who had recently taken antifungal or steroid medications.

Clinical aspects and recent advances in fungal diseases impacting human health

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Fungal infections are increasingly common health threats affecting over a billion people worldwide, ranging from minor allergies to serious life-threatening infections. The biggest problems are that fungi are becoming resistant to current medications, diagnosis can be difficult and slow, and treatment options are limited. Recent developments include new antifungal drugs like ibrexafungerp and rezafungin that work differently from older medications, offering hope for treating resistant infections. Better awareness among doctors and patients, faster diagnostic methods, and responsible use of antifungals are essential to combat this growing public health challenge.

Fungal β-Glucans: Biological Properties, Immunomodulatory Effects, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications

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β-glucans are beneficial compounds found in fungi and some plants that help your body in multiple ways. They boost your immune system, lower cholesterol and blood sugar, protect against oxidative stress, and may help fight cancer and infections. Recent research shows they could be useful as diagnostic markers for fungal infections and as vaccine boosters, especially for diseases like COVID-19.

Beyond division and morphogenesis: Considering the emerging roles of septins in plasma membrane homeostasis and cell wall integrity in human fungal pathogens

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Septins are protein structures inside fungal cells that help them divide and maintain their outer layers. This review explains how these proteins play crucial roles in fungal infections by helping pathogens survive stress conditions and respond to host defenses. By understanding how septins work, scientists might develop new antifungal medications that target these proteins to fight stubborn fungal infections.

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 leukemia developed meningitis caused by a rare fungus called Cryptococcus albidus. Doctors initially thought he had a viral infection and started him on antiviral medication, but specialized fungal tests revealed the true culprit. Treatment with antifungal medications successfully cured the infection, demonstrating the importance of identifying the exact cause of infection to provide the right treatment.

Photo Quiz: A cutaneous fungal infection with discordant biomarker results—a diagnostic challenge

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This case describes a woman with advanced HIV who developed a serious fungal infection called histoplasmosis affecting her skin, lungs, and lymph nodes. Diagnosis was challenging because standard fungal blood tests came back negative, but careful examination of samples and specialized testing confirmed Histoplasma capsulatum. The patient was successfully treated with antifungal medications, highlighting the importance of not relying solely on negative tests when clinical suspicion is high.

Research Keyword: antifungal therapy