Research Keyword: beta-glucan

Maternal Euglena gracilis supplementation alters sow and piglet gut microbiota, reduces diarrhea incidence, and enhances piglet growth

This study examined how feeding sows a supplement called Euglena gracilis (an algae-derived prebiotic) affected the gut bacteria of both the sows and their piglets. Piglets born to supplemented sows weighed more at weaning and had fewer cases of diarrhea during the nursing period. The supplement changed the types of bacteria in both the sows’ and piglets’ guts in beneficial ways, promoting healthier and more stable gut communities that supported better growth and digestive health.

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

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.

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Masquerading Yeast: A Case Report of Lomentospora prolificans Fungemia With a Diagnostic Twist

This case describes a patient with blood cancer who developed a rare and deadly mold infection called Lomentospora prolificans while receiving cancer treatment. The infection was difficult to diagnose initially because the fungal structures looked similar to yeast under the microscope, and a molecular test gave a false positive result for a different fungus. Unfortunately, the infection was resistant to all available antifungal medications and the patient died.

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Diagnostic Approaches to Invasive Candidiasis: Challenges and New Perspectives

Invasive candidiasis is a dangerous fungal infection affecting critically ill hospital patients. Current testing methods like blood cultures are slow and unreliable, so doctors are developing faster tests using DNA detection and biomarkers. A combination of new diagnostic tools and prompt treatment with antifungal medications is essential to improve survival rates and reduce complications from this serious infection.

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