fungal infection – Page 19

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.

Invasive Candidiasis in Contexts of Armed Conflict, High Violence, and Forced Displacement in Latin America and the Caribbean (2005–2025)

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Invasive candidiasis, a serious fungal blood infection caused by Candida species, is a major health crisis in Latin America and the Caribbean with death rates reaching 60% in vulnerable populations. The disease is worsening in areas affected by armed conflict, violence, and displacement where poor living conditions, overcrowding, malnutrition, and lack of healthcare create ideal conditions for the infection to develop and spread. Antifungal drugs are often unavailable or too expensive, and drug-resistant strains of Candida are becoming increasingly common, making treatment extremely challenging in these regions.

The C-type lectin receptor Dcir (Clec4a2) restrains Aspergillus fumigatus elimination by limiting the degranulatory activity of neutrophils

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This study reveals that a receptor called Dcir on immune cells called neutrophils actually prevents effective killing of the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus by limiting the release of antibacterial granules. When researchers removed Dcir from mice, their neutrophils became more effective at fighting the fungal infection. This suggests that blocking Dcir might help patients with fungal respiratory infections clear the pathogen more effectively.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Due to COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis with Rare Extensive Tracheobronchial Pseudomembranous Involvement: A Case Report

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An 87-year-old man with COVID-19 developed a rare and severe fungal infection in his airways caused by Aspergillus fumigatus. Doctors used a camera tube (bronchoscope) to see thick, yellowish-white membrane-like material coating his entire windpipe and airways, which is an extremely rare complication. Despite starting antifungal medications, his condition rapidly worsened leading to organ failure and death. This case highlights how COVID-19 can leave patients vulnerable to serious secondary fungal infections that require immediate recognition and treatment.

Diversity and Distribution of Colletotrichum Species Causing Anthracnose in China

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Researchers identified 16 different species of Colletotrichum fungi causing anthracnose (a leaf and branch disease) in plants across five Chinese provinces. They discovered four previously unknown species and clarified the classification of several known species using DNA analysis. The study found that different regions had different predominant fungal species, with walnut being particularly susceptible to specific Colletotrichum species. These findings help understand and manage anthracnose diseases in economically important plants in China.

Fungal infections in burn patients: The rise of Fusarium as the most prevalent in a burn center in Mexico City

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Burn patients are at high risk for serious fungal infections that can cause death. This study from a Mexican burn hospital found that a fungus called Fusarium was the most common cause of these infections, affecting over half of patients with fungal infections. This finding differs from other parts of the world where Aspergillus is usually most common, suggesting that Mexican burn patients face unique fungal threats that doctors should watch for carefully.

The first report of rhinosinusitis by Rhizopus delemar in a patient with severe COVID-19 in Iran: a case report

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A 63-year-old man hospitalized with COVID-19 developed a serious fungal sinus infection caused by a rare mold called Rhizopus delemar. Despite surgery to remove infected tissue and treatment with antifungal medication amphotericin B, the infection spread and the patient died after five weeks. This was the first documented case of this particular mold causing sinus infection in a COVID-19 patient in Iran, highlighting how severe fungal infections can occur as dangerous complications of COVID-19.

Effect of Pseudomonas protegens EMM-1 Against Rhizopus oryzae in Interactions with Mexican Autochthonous Red Maize

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Mexican red maize, an important traditional crop, is threatened by a fungus called Rhizopus oryzae that causes root damage and wilting. Researchers found that a beneficial bacterium, Pseudomonas protegens EMM-1, can effectively stop this fungal infection and help maize plants grow better. Tests showed the bacterium reduced fungal growth by over 80% and improved plant root development when grown together with the fungus.

Sclerotinia rot of Zephyranthes candida caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Sclerotinia minor

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Researchers discovered that Zephyranthes candida, a popular ornamental plant, can be infected by two types of fungi: Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Sclerotinia minor, causing a serious white mold disease. The study identified these pathogens and determined that they grow best in cool, acidic conditions with specific nutrients. This information will help gardeners and farmers develop better strategies to prevent and manage this disease on their plants.

Abundant Yet Aberrant T Helper Cell Responses to Candida albicans Underlie Mucosal Candidiasis in Humans and Mice

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Researchers studied how the immune system fights Candida albicans fungal infections. They found that a specific type of immune cell called Th17 cells is absolutely essential for controlling these infections, while other immune cells called Th2 cells actually make infections worse by blocking the protective Th17 cells. Patients with certain genetic mutations that affect how their immune system works have too many Th2 cells and not enough Th17 cells, making them vulnerable to chronic fungal infections. The study suggests that blocking a molecule called IL-4 could help restore the balance and improve patient outcomes.

Research Keyword: fungal infection