fungal infection – Page 7

Histological Dissection of Fusarium-Banana Interaction Using a GFP-Tagged Subtropical Race 4 Strain of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense on Banana Cultivars with Differing Levels of Resistance

mycolabadmin

Researchers used fluorescently-labeled fungal strains to visualize how banana wilt disease spreads inside banana plants. They found that resistant banana varieties can slow down the fungus by forming blockages (called tyloses) in their water-conducting vessels, though the fungus can still initially enter the plant. The study showed that the rhizome, an underground stem-like structure, is the key location where resistant plants successfully contain the fungus, which helps explain why some banana varieties are naturally more resistant to this devastating disease.

Protein kinase A signaling regulates immune evasion by shaving and concealing fungal β-1,3-glucan

mycolabadmin

Candida albicans, a common fungal pathogen, uses a clever strategy to hide from the immune system by masking a molecule on its surface that would normally trigger an immune response. Researchers used both computer modeling and laboratory experiments to show that this hiding strategy involves two main processes: the fungus grows and exposes the molecule, while simultaneously using enzymes to shave it away. They found that a cellular signaling pathway called PKA is essential for activating these shaving enzymes in response to lactate, a signal from the host environment.

Immunomodulatory function of chitosan is dependent on complement receptor 3

mycolabadmin

This study reveals how the human immune system recognizes chitosan, a natural component found in the walls of disease-causing fungi like Aspergillus and Cryptococcus. Researchers discovered that immune cells use a protein called CR3 on their surface to detect and respond to chitosan by producing inflammatory chemicals that help fight infection. When chitosan works together with fungal proteins, it can boost the immune system’s response even more effectively, suggesting new ways to enhance immunity against fungal infections.

Essential Oils as an Antifungal Alternative to Control Several Species of Fungi Isolated from Musa paradisiaca: Part III

mycolabadmin

Researchers tested six essential oils from common culinary herbs to control fungal diseases that damage bananas after harvest. Thyme, cinnamon, and oregano oils were most effective at preventing fungal growth at concentrations between 600-1000 parts per million. These natural oils could replace synthetic fungicides in banana storage facilities, providing a safer, more environmentally friendly approach to preserving fruit quality.

Rasamsonia argillacea brain abscess in a lung transplant recipient: an unexpected infection by an unusual fungal pathogen

mycolabadmin

A 65-year-old woman who received a lung transplant developed a serious brain infection caused by a rare fungus called Rasamsonia argillacea. Doctors initially struggled to identify this unusual fungus and treated her with multiple antifungal medications, but the infection proved difficult to control because the fungus was resistant to common antifungal drugs. Investigations revealed that the patient had an undiagnosed immune system disorder called chronic granulomatous disease, which made her vulnerable to this rare infection. Despite aggressive treatment including surgery and powerful antifungal medications, the patient’s condition worsened and she eventually passed away.

Three New Records of Pathogens Causing Stem Blight on Vaccinium corymbosum in China

mycolabadmin

Researchers in China identified three new fungal species causing stem blight disease in blueberry crops. These fungi infect blueberry stems, causing brown lesions that kill the shoots and leaves. Laboratory tests confirmed all three fungi can cause the disease, with one species being particularly aggressive. This research helps farmers understand and manage this economically important disease that damages 10-25% of China’s blueberry crops.

A New Species and a New Record of Graphium from Freshwater Environment in Korea

mycolabadmin

Researchers in Korea discovered two types of fungi from Graphium genus in freshwater rivers and streams. One was identified as Graphium carbonarium, previously unknown in Korea, while the other two isolates represent an entirely new species named Graphium aquaticum. This finding is significant because Graphium fungi were previously thought to live only on wood and in association with insects, making freshwater an unexpected and new habitat for these organisms.

Wildlife Dermatophytoses in Central Italy (Umbria and Marche Regions): A Fifteen-Year Investigation (2010–2024)

mycolabadmin

Researchers in central Italy studied fungal skin infections in wild animals over 15 years to understand disease patterns and public health risks. They found that about 11% of wild animals tested positive for dermatophytes (skin fungi), with some species dangerous to humans. The most common fungi found were Paraphyton mirabile and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, which can spread to people through contact with infected animals. The study highlights the importance of monitoring wildlife health and using protective equipment when handling wild animals.

Phaeoacremonium tuscanicum and Phaeoacremonium indicum sp. nov. associated with subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis

mycolabadmin

Researchers identified and described two rare fungal infections caused by Phaeoacremonium species in human patients. One case involved a previously unknown fungal species in humans called Phaeoacremonium indicum, discovered in an Indian transplant patient with a knee infection. Both cases were successfully treated with surgery, with one patient also receiving antifungal medication, demonstrating effective treatment approaches for these unusual infections.

Surgical management of deep dermatophytosis in a patient with CARD9 deficiency

mycolabadmin

A 23-year-old man from North Africa with a genetic immune disorder (CARD9 deficiency) developed a serious fungal skin infection with deep tissue involvement. The infection caused multiple pus-filled pockets and hair loss on his scalp. Doctors treated him with both antifungal medications and surgery to drain the infected areas, resulting in complete healing after two weeks.

Research Keyword: fungal infection