clinical mycology – Page 4

Northwest Iranian dermatophyte isolates: anthropophilic and geophilic

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Researchers in northwestern Iran studied fungal infections of skin, hair, and nails by identifying different types of dermatophytes from patient samples and soil. They found that a fungus called Trichophyton mentagrophytes was the most common cause, but also discovered a rare fungus called Myriodontium keratinophilum causing nail infections. Using modern DNA testing methods, they identified seven different dermatophyte species and several other soil fungi, providing important information about fungal infections in this region.

Unveiling the hidden arsenal: exploring secondary metabolites and fungal development in pathogenic fungi

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Dangerous fungi produce hidden chemical compounds that help them infect humans and crops while also potentially serving as medicines. Scientists are studying how these compounds work and how fungi make them to develop better treatments and protect our food supply. This editorial highlights recent research showing that understanding fungal chemistry from genetic, ecological, and medical perspectives will help us fight fungal diseases as resistance increases.

The diagnosis of mucormycosis by PCR in patients at risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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Mucormycosis is a dangerous fungal infection that kills many patients. Traditional tests like fungal culture are slow and often miss infections. This comprehensive study of 30 research papers shows that PCR testing is very effective at detecting this fungus, with different specimen types having different success rates. Blood tests were easiest to perform and worked well for screening high-risk patients, while fluid from the lungs was the most accurate.

Past, present and future of antifungals: Advancements in mechanisms of action and resistance

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Fungal infections are a growing global health problem, particularly for people with weakened immune systems, causing millions of deaths annually. Current antifungal medications are limited and increasingly ineffective due to drug-resistant fungi. This special issue explores new treatment strategies including novel drugs, combination therapies, and innovative approaches like nanoparticles and antimicrobial peptides to combat these serious infections.

Optimizing a modified cetyltrimethylammonium bromide protocol for fungal DNA extraction: Insights from multilocus gene amplification

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Researchers developed an improved method for extracting fungal DNA that is faster, cheaper, and safer than current commercial kits. The new protocol works by using a special chemical solution and simple crushing tools instead of expensive equipment like liquid nitrogen or bead beaters. They tested it on 40 different fungal species found in dry fruits and successfully identified them all using genetic markers, showing the method could help diagnose fungal diseases in plants, animals, and humans.

The in vitro Activity of Echinocandins Against Clinical Trichophyton rubrum Isolates and Review of the Susceptibility of T. rubrum to Echinocandins Worldwide

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Researchers tested how well three antifungal drugs (micafungin, anidulafungin, and caspofungin) work against a common fungus that causes skin infections. They found that two of these drugs were more effective than the third, suggesting they could be helpful alternatives when standard treatments fail due to drug-resistant fungal strains. The study also reviewed similar research worldwide and found consistent results across different testing methods.

Larone’s Medically Important Fungi: A Guide to Identification, 7th Edition

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This is a practical guidebook for identifying disease-causing fungi in medical laboratories. The 7th edition uses color-coding and organized illustrations to help laboratory technicians and doctors quickly identify fungi from patient samples. It includes information about emerging fungal pathogens and is designed to be used as a quick reference at the laboratory bench rather than a comprehensive textbook.

Drug repurposing to fight resistant fungal species: Recent developments as novel therapeutic strategies

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This editorial highlights the growing problem of fungal infections that resist current treatments, causing millions of deaths worldwide each year. Researchers are finding new ways to fight these resistant infections by repurposing existing drugs in new combinations and discovering novel compounds from natural sources. The collection of studies presented shows promising results using combinations like minocycline with antifungal drugs, natural compounds like baicalin, and AI technology to predict resistance patterns. These innovative approaches offer hope for better treatment options for patients suffering from serious fungal infections.

Disseminated subcutaneous sporotrichosis in an immunocompetent patient: A case report and a systematic literature review

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A 74-year-old man developed painful red masses on his arm and hand after being stuck by a tree branch. Tests identified the infection was caused by a fungus called Sporothrix schenckii. Despite having a normal immune system, the infection had spread across his arm in an unusual pattern. Treatment with an antifungal medication called itraconazole completely healed the lesions within four months without any scarring.

Deep Fungal Infection of the Skin with Two Rare Fungi in a Dog Being Treated with Immunosuppressant Therapy: A Case Report

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A dog being treated for brain inflammation with immune-suppressing drugs developed a serious skin infection caused by two unusual fungi not previously reported together in veterinary medicine. The infection proved difficult to diagnose, requiring tissue samples and specialized laboratory testing to identify the fungi and determine which antifungal drugs would work best. Despite treatment with antifungal medications and reducing the immunosuppressive drugs, the infection did not improve and the dog’s underlying condition worsened, ultimately requiring euthanasia. This case shows the serious risks of fungal infections in animals on long-term immunosuppressive therapy and highlights the need for careful monitoring and early detection.

Research Keyword: clinical mycology