epidemiology – Page 5

First Report of Trametes hirsuta, Causal Agent White Rot in Avocado Trees Grown in the State of Michoacán, México

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Researchers in Mexico discovered that a wood-decay fungus called Trametes hirsuta is infecting avocado trees in the country’s main avocado-growing region, Michoacán. The fungus causes a disease called white rot, which leads to yellowing leaves, tree defoliation, and eventually tree death. This is the first time this fungus has been identified as a disease-causing agent in avocado trees, and the researchers confirmed through laboratory tests that the fungus is indeed responsible for the damage being observed in avocado orchards.

Detection of Multiple Nosocomial Trichosporon asahii Transmission Events via Microsatellite Typing Assay, South America

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Researchers developed a new genetic fingerprinting method to identify and track Trichosporon asahii, a dangerous fungal infection that spreads in hospitals. Using this tool on clinical samples from South America, they discovered multiple separate outbreak events where the same fungal strains infected patients across different hospitals and years. This method is faster and cheaper than other genetic tests, making it useful for hospitals worldwide to detect and prevent fungal outbreaks.

Diversity and Distribution of Fungal Infections in Rwanda: High Risk and Gaps in Knowledge, Policy, and Interventions

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This comprehensive review reveals that Rwanda faces significant challenges from fungal infections affecting humans, crops, and food security, yet has very limited systems to detect, report, or manage these infections. The study found various dangerous fungi causing infections ranging from vaginal candidiasis to serious disseminated infections, as well as crop-destroying soil fungi threatening bean production. The researchers emphasize that Rwanda urgently needs better diagnostic tools, trained healthcare workers, and coordinated public health strategies to combat the growing threat of fungal diseases.

Changing Climate, Changing Candida: Environmental and Social Pressures on Invasive Candidiasis and Antifungal Resistance in Latin America

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Invasive fungal infections caused by Candida yeasts are becoming more serious in Latin America, with drug-resistant strains spreading rapidly in hospitals. The problem is worsened by climate change and overuse of antifungal medicines in agriculture, which help resistant fungi survive and spread. Many hospitals in the region lack modern diagnostic tools to quickly identify the specific type of infection, delaying treatment. The authors recommend a comprehensive approach combining better environmental monitoring, smarter use of antifungal drugs, improved diagnostic access, and coordinated public health efforts across the region.

Awareness and perception of invasive fungal diseases among the Nigerian population

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This study found that very few Nigerians (only about 19%) are aware of serious fungal infections like candidiasis and aspergillosis, and most people don’t understand how dangerous these diseases can be. The researchers surveyed over 1,200 people and discovered that people with more education and higher incomes were more likely to know about these infections. The findings suggest that Nigeria urgently needs public health campaigns and education programs to help people recognize fungal diseases early so they can get proper treatment.

Epidemiology of Candidemia, Candiduria and Emerging Candidozyma (Candida) auris Across Gulf Cooperative Council Countries and Yemen in the Arabian Peninsula

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This comprehensive review examines fungal bloodstream and urinary tract infections caused by Candida species across Middle Eastern countries. The study shows that while Candida albicans remains common, dangerous antibiotic-resistant strains like Candidozyma auris are increasingly appearing in hospitals. The research highlights that better diagnostic tools and infection prevention practices are urgently needed in the region to protect patients and reduce deaths from these serious infections.

Prospective Case–Control Study of Determinants for African Swine Fever Introduction in Commercial Pig Farms in Poland, Romania, and Lithuania

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This study examined how African swine fever gets introduced into commercial pig farms in Poland, Romania, and Lithuania. Researchers found that farms closer to other infected farms, farms growing crops that attract wild boar, and farms with inadequate biosecurity measures were more likely to have outbreaks. Simple protective measures like proper carcass disposal and installing insect screens on doors and windows significantly reduced disease risk.

Epidemiology, Biotic Interactions and Biological Control of Armillarioids in the Northern Hemisphere

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This paper reviews how armillarioid fungi, particularly Armillaria species, cause root rot disease in forests and orchards across the Northern Hemisphere. These fungi spread through underground root-like structures called rhizomorphs and can kill trees and damage crops over large areas. The authors discuss how to identify these fungi using modern genetic methods and explore environmentally friendly biological control options using beneficial bacteria, fungi, and nematodes as alternatives to chemical treatments.

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

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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.

Vulnerability of Walnut Pruning Wounds to Fungal Trunk Pathogens and Seasonal Conidial Dynamics of Botryosphaeriaceae in the Maule Region, Chile

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When walnut trees are pruned, the resulting wounds are exposed to dangerous fungi that can cause branch die-back and significantly reduce crop yield. This research found that freshly cut pruning wounds are most vulnerable to infection, especially from aggressive fungi like Diplodia mutila, but this vulnerability decreases over time. The fungi spread their spores mainly during wet winter months when rainfall and humidity are high, so timing pruning operations to avoid these periods and protecting wounds with fungicides could substantially reduce disease losses in walnut orchards.

Research Keyword: epidemiology