Research Keyword: environmental sampling

Isolation and identification of Fusarium species from the water systems of ICUs and transplant wards of hospitals and determination of the in vitro susceptibilities of isolates to conventional antifungals

Researchers found dangerous Fusarium fungal species in water systems of hospital ICU wards in Tehran, Iran. These fungi can spread through water fixtures and pose serious risks to patients with weak immune systems. Testing showed that certain antifungal drugs like posaconazole and voriconazole worked well against these fungi, but other drugs were less effective. The study emphasizes the importance of better water management and safety measures in hospitals to protect vulnerable patients.

Read More »

Insights into Persian Gulf Beach Sand Mycobiomes: Promises and Challenges in Fungal Diversity

Researchers studied fungi found in sand and water at beaches along Iran’s Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman coastlines. They discovered high levels of potentially harmful fungi, particularly Aspergillus terreus, which can cause respiratory infections. The study found that while some antifungal drugs like voriconazole were effective, some fungi showed resistance to common treatments. This information is important for protecting swimmers and beach visitors from fungal health risks.

Read More »

Myco-Ed: Mycological curriculum for education and discovery

Myco-Ed is an educational program that teaches students about fungi while helping scientists create reference genomes for understudied fungal species. Students collect fungi from their local environments, identify them, and prepare samples for advanced genome sequencing through partnerships with major research institutions. This program solves two problems at once: training the next generation of fungal researchers and filling critical gaps in our knowledge of fungal genetics and diversity.

Read More »

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

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.

Read More »

Occurrence of Pathogenic and Allergenic Molds in the Outdoor and Indoor Environment of a Major Hospital and Molecular Epidemiology of Aspergillus fumigatus in Kuwait

Researchers in Kuwait found many types of mold in and around a hospital, with some being resistant to common antifungal medications. They discovered that the same mold species were found both outdoors and in the hospital environment, suggesting patients could catch infections from the surrounding air. The study identified molds that could cause serious infections in vulnerable patients and found that about 10% of environmental samples contained drug-resistant strains that were also found in sick patients.

Read More »
Scroll to Top