fungal culture – Page 2

Photo Quiz: A cutaneous fungal infection with discordant biomarker results—a diagnostic challenge

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A woman with advanced HIV infection presented with skin sores and respiratory symptoms that were initially suspected to be a viral infection. Testing revealed she had histoplasmosis, a serious fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum that had spread throughout her body affecting her skin, lungs, and lymph nodes. While standard tests for this fungus were negative, other fungal markers and cultures eventually confirmed the diagnosis, and she was treated with antifungal medications.

Odontogenic-onset mucormycosis: A case series from a tertiary care institute in North India

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Mucormycosis is a serious fungal infection that can develop after dental procedures like tooth extraction or root canal therapy, especially in people with poorly controlled diabetes. This case study from India describes five patients who developed this infection within weeks of dental work. The infection destroys bone in the upper jaw and palate but usually doesn’t spread to the sinuses like other forms of mucormycosis. All patients improved with antifungal medications and surgical cleaning, highlighting the importance of proper sterilization during dental procedures.

Bacterial and Fungal Pathogens in Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media and Otitis Externa With Persistent Otorrhea: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Low- to Middle-Income Country (Pakistan)

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This study examined ear infections in Karachi, Pakistan, identifying which bacteria and fungi cause chronic ear drainage. Researchers found that Pseudomonas bacteria and Aspergillus fungi were the most common culprits, often appearing together. The warm, humid climate and poor sanitation in the area contribute to these infections, which need better diagnostic testing and tailored treatment approaches to improve patient outcomes.

Disseminated sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis with testicular involvement

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This case report describes a rare fungal infection caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis in a 35-year-old man living with HIV/AIDS. The infection spread throughout his body, affecting his skin, lungs, brain, and testicles. Doctors initially thought the testicular involvement was cancer and removed the testicle, but lab tests confirmed it was a fungal infection. The patient was successfully treated with antifungal medications and remains disease-free one year later.

Photo Quiz: Asteroid bodies in a skin biopsy of a farmer

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A farmer developed a chain of red nodules on his arm after a wrist injury, which was diagnosed as sporotrichosis, a fungal infection caused by Sporothrix globosa. The diagnosis was confirmed through tissue biopsy, which showed distinctive asteroid bodies – yeast cells surrounded by radiating material that represents the body’s immune response. The infection was successfully treated with oral potassium iodide over 6 months, resulting in complete healing.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by a new-found opportunistic fungal pathogen—Myceliophthora heterothallica: a case report

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A 67-year-old woman suffered cardiac arrest and required a breathing machine to survive. While on the ventilator, doctors discovered an unusual fungal infection in her lungs caused by Myceliophthora heterothallica, which had never been documented as a human pathogen before. With standard bacterial antibiotics and supportive care, the patient recovered and was discharged after four weeks, suggesting this fungus may be less dangerous than related species.

Identification of Non-fumigatus Aspergillus Species in Clinical Samples from Southern California

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Researchers studied fungal infections caused by Aspergillus in Southern California from 2012 to 2023, examining over 10,000 patients. They found that species other than the commonly known A. fumigatus were actually more prevalent in clinical samples, particularly A. niger from skin and nail infections. Importantly, these non-fumigatus species showed seasonal patterns and some carry resistance to standard antifungal medications, suggesting doctors may need to adjust their treatment approaches for fungal infections.

A case of Blastomyces helicus pneumonia in a dog from a non-endemic region: diagnostic challenges and successful treatment outcome

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A dog developed severe pneumonia from an emerging fungal infection called Blastomyces helicus after traveling to Utah and Idaho. Initial blood tests incorrectly suggested a different fungus, but laboratory culture and genetic testing identified the true culprit. The dog was successfully treated with an antifungal medication called itraconazole and made a complete recovery with careful monitoring over 6 months.

Tinea genitalis profunda caused by Microsporum canis: A case report and literature review

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A 23-year-old woman developed a severe fungal infection in the genital area caused by a fungus normally found on dogs. Her initial antibiotic treatment failed because the infection was actually fungal, not bacterial. After diagnosis through fungal culture, she was successfully treated with antifungal medications, though the infection left some scarring and discoloration. This case highlights how genital fungal infections can be difficult to diagnose because they look similar to bacterial infections.

Prevalence of Tinea pedis in military personnel: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection affecting military personnel at rates around 17% globally. Military environments create perfect conditions for this infection through close living quarters, humidity from sweat and boots, and shared facilities. The study found that regions with hot, humid climates have higher infection rates, and proper diagnosis using both microscopy and culture tests is important for accurate detection. Improved hygiene, better-designed footwear, and access to antifungal treatments can significantly reduce infection rates in military settings.

Research Keyword: fungal culture