Research Keyword: Bronchoalveolar lavage

Detection of Opportunistic Fungi from the Bronchoalveolar Lavage Specimens of Patients with Pulmonary Diseases

Researchers examined lung fluid samples from patients with lung diseases to identify fungal infections. They found various types of fungi including Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Pneumocystis using microscopy and laboratory tests. Large numbers of fungi were present in many samples, which could interfere with medicine absorption and treatment. The study shows that quick and accurate identification of these fungi is important for treating lung infections properly.

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The 2025 EQUAL Pneumocystis Score—an ECMM tool to measure QUALity in Pneumocystis pneumonia management

Pneumocystis pneumonia is a serious lung infection that affects people with weakened immune systems, including those with HIV and transplant patients. Doctors use different guidelines to diagnose and treat this infection, but these guidelines are complex and can be hard to follow consistently. Researchers created a new scoring system called the EQUAL Pneumocystis Score that helps doctors follow the best treatment recommendations by assigning points for different diagnostic tests, medications, and follow-up strategies.

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Fungal Pneumonia and Severe Neutropenia: Risk Factors for Increased 90 Day Mortality

This study examined 39 cancer patients with severe fungal lung infections treated at a major cancer center. Patients who received antifungal treatment within 7 days and started with a specific drug called liposomal amphotericin B had better survival rates at 90 days. The research suggests that quick diagnosis and prompt treatment initiation are critical for improving survival in immunocompromised patients with fungal pneumonia.

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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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Influenza-related invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in an infectious disease ward at a pulmonary referral center in Iran

This study examined patients hospitalized with influenza who developed a serious fungal infection caused by Aspergillus fungus. Among 109 influenza patients, about 9% developed this fungal complication which significantly increased their risk of death and required longer hospital stays. Patients with existing lung diseases were at higher risk, and those with the fungal infection also had more bacterial superinfections. The findings highlight the importance of recognizing and treating this serious fungal complication in hospitalized influenza patients.

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Cellular Composition of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies and Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis: Significant Associations with Peripheral Blood Cell Counts

Researchers studied lung fluid samples from cancer patients with a serious fungal lung infection called invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. They found that blood cell counts in the lungs correlated with blood cell counts overall, but surprisingly, the cell composition in lung fluid did not predict patient survival. The study highlights that doctors need better ways to assess the lung’s immune response to this serious fungal infection beyond just counting cells.

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Knowledge framework and emerging trends of invasive pulmonary fungal infection: A bibliometric analysis (2003–2023)

This study examined 20 years of scientific research on invasive lung fungal infections using bibliometric analysis. The research found that the United States leads in fungal infection research, with emerging focus areas including COVID-19-associated fungal infections and new diagnostic methods like metagenomic sequencing. The findings show that diagnosis remains challenging and requires improved detection methods, while treatment typically involves antifungal medications like voriconazole and amphotericin-B.

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Global status and trends of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis: A bibliometric study

This study analyzes 24 years of research on invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, a serious fungal infection in immunocompromised patients. Using bibliometric tools, researchers mapped out how the field has evolved, identifying leading countries (USA, Germany, China), key experts like David Denning and Thomas Walsh, and shifting research focus from transplant-related infections to COVID-19-associated cases. The analysis shows the field is rapidly growing with increasing emphasis on rapid diagnostic methods and antifungal therapies.

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Pulmonary Mucormycosis in Diabetic Patients: A Case Series From a Tertiary Respiratory Center in Sri Lanka

This case study describes three patients with diabetes who developed a serious lung infection caused by a rare fungus called mucormycosis. The infection presented with various symptoms like cough, fever, and weight loss, and was diagnosed using lung tissue samples that showed the characteristic fungal structures. Two patients recovered with prolonged antifungal medication treatment, while one patient unfortunately died despite receiving prompt treatment, highlighting how serious this infection can be.

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Detection of Mucorales antigen in bronchoalveolar lavage samples using a newly developed lateral-flow device

Researchers tested a new rapid test device that detects a specific protein released by dangerous mold infections (mucormycosis) in patient respiratory samples. The test uses a special antibody to identify these molds quickly, which is important because mucormycosis can be life-threatening and requires fast treatment. The device showed promise with about 77% accuracy in identifying infections, though larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

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