Research Keyword: Cryptococcal meningitis

Ex Vivo Host Transcriptomics During Cryptococcus neoformans, Cryptococcus gattii, and Candida albicans Infection of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells From South African Volunteers

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Researchers studied how human immune cells respond to three different fungal infections that commonly affect people with weakened immune systems. By examining gene activity in blood cells exposed to these fungi, they discovered that each fungus triggers different immune responses, with Candida albicans causing a much stronger reaction than the two Cryptococcus species. Only one shared immune pathway was activated by all three fungi, suggesting each infection requires different immune mechanisms to fight off. These findings could help develop new treatments for serious fungal infections.

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Co-Infection of Pulmonary Aspergillosis and Cryptococcal Meningitis in an HIV-Positive Patient: A Case Report

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This case describes a 46-year-old man with advanced HIV who developed two serious fungal infections simultaneously: a lung infection caused by Aspergillus fungus and meningitis caused by Cryptococcus fungus. Despite receiving appropriate antifungal medications, his condition worsened and he unfortunately died. The case highlights how people with very low immune cell counts are at high risk for multiple life-threatening fungal infections and emphasizes the importance of early HIV testing and screening for fungal infections.

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Increasing postgraduate medical mycology research dissertations at Uganda’s higher institution of learning

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A study from Makerere University in Uganda found that funding has significantly boosted research on fungal diseases among graduate students. The number of students focusing on medical mycology jumped from 16% to 40% between 2023 and 2024, with more advanced laboratory techniques being used. The research focused on serious fungal infections like cryptococcal meningitis, which particularly affects people with HIV/AIDS. The university’s creation of a collaborative research group helped students work together and complete their projects on time.

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Antifungal Activity of Selected Naphthoquinones and Their Synergistic Combination with Amphotericin B Against Cryptococcus neoformans H99

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Scientists tested five synthetic compounds called naphthoquinones to see if they could fight a serious fungal infection called cryptococcosis. They found that one compound called 2-MNQ worked well against the fungus and was even more effective when combined with a standard antifungal drug (amphotericin B). The combination was strong enough to potentially allow lower doses of the existing drug, which could reduce side effects while improving treatment outcomes.

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Environmental sources of Cryptococcus neoformans species complex in Kampala, Uganda: A preliminary study

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Researchers in Uganda identified where dangerous fungal organisms that cause meningitis live in the environment. They tested droppings from birds and chickens, and bark from eucalyptus trees. They found that a harmful fungus called Cryptococcus neoformans was present in marabou stork droppings and eucalyptus tree bark, but not in chicken droppings or another related fungus species called C. gattii. This helps explain why some people in Uganda get cryptococcal meningitis, a serious brain infection.

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