fungal pathogenesis – Page 2

A case report of disseminated histoplasmosis not responding to primary treatment by itraconazole

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A 28-year-old woman developed a fungal infection called histoplasmosis after having a tooth extracted, with the infection spreading to her lungs and sinuses. She was initially given a common antifungal medication called itraconazole, but her condition continued to worsen despite increasing the dose. When doctors switched her to a stronger medication called liposomal amphotericin B given intravenously, she improved dramatically and recovered fully. This case shows the importance of recognizing when a standard fungal treatment is not working and switching to more aggressive therapy.

Humans vs. Fungi: An Overview of Fungal Pathogens against Humans

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Fungal infections are serious health threats that kill approximately 1.5 million people annually worldwide. This comprehensive review identifies over 280 different fungal species that can infect humans, with Aspergillus being the most dangerous genus. The study provides updated information on how these infections are diagnosed through various methods including cultures, microscopy, and molecular testing, as well as treatment options ranging from traditional antifungal drugs to newer therapies like nanotechnology-based formulations.

Risk factors for invasive fungal infections in adult patients with hematological malignancies and/or stem cell transplant: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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This comprehensive study analyzed multiple research papers to identify which patients with blood cancers or stem cell transplants are most likely to develop serious fungal infections. The researchers found that patients who previously had a stem cell transplant, those taking corticosteroids, and those with low white blood cell counts face the highest risks. Importantly, the study showed that using antifungal medications as a preventive treatment significantly reduces infection risk in these vulnerable patients.

Sandalwood Sesquiterpene (Z)-α-Santalol Exhibits In Vivo Efficacy Against Madurella mycetomatis in Galleria mellonella Larvae

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Researchers tested sandalwood compounds against a fungal infection that causes a tropical disease called eumycetoma. Using a laboratory model with wax moth larvae infected with the fungus, they found that a specific compound called (Z)-α-santalol significantly extended the survival of infected larvae. This compound was more effective than current antifungal drugs and showed promise as a potential new treatment for this neglected tropical disease.

Clinical Mycology Today: Emerging Challenges and Opportunities

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Fungal infections are becoming more common because of new medical treatments that suppress immune function, and some fungi are developing resistance to standard medications. However, exciting new antifungal drugs are in development that work in different ways and may be easier to use. The article discusses how doctors need better ways to identify patients at risk, design better clinical trials, and train more specialists to handle these increasingly complex fungal infections.

Overexpression of efflux pump and biofilm associated genes in itraconazole resistant Candida albicans isolates causing onychomycosis

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This research examines why some fungal infections of the nails resist treatment with the antifungal drug itraconazole. Scientists found that resistant fungi produce more proteins that pump the drug out of their cells (efflux pumps) and form protective biofilm structures. Understanding these resistance mechanisms could help develop better combination treatments that work alongside antifungal drugs to overcome resistance.

A rare case of invasive necrotizing myositis of the thigh caused by Basidiobolus ranarum: a multi-pronged approach to successfully managing a near-fatal polybacterial mycotic infection

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A 46-year-old man developed a severe, spreading infection of his thigh muscle caused by a rare fungus called Basidiobolus ranarum, likely from an insect bite years earlier that was neglected. The infection became life-threatening when bacteria also invaded the tissue, causing widespread muscle death and bloodstream infection. Doctors treated him with multiple antifungal medications, antibiotics, surgery, and eventually had to amputate his leg to save his life. After six weeks of intensive care combining several medications including potassium iodide and extended oral antifungal therapy, the wound finally healed.

Functional Characterization of FgAsp, a Gene Coding an Aspartic Acid Protease in Fusarium graminearum

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Scientists studied a specific gene called FgAsp in a fungus that causes wheat disease and produces harmful toxins. By deleting this gene, they found it controls important fungal processes like growth, reproduction, and the ability to infect wheat plants. The modified fungus produced less toxin and was less harmful, suggesting this gene could be targeted to develop new fungicides to protect crops.

MycoNews 2023: Editorial, news, reports, awards, personalia, and book news

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This report highlights major developments in mycology during 2023, featuring updates from international fungal research conferences held around the world. It covers new awards recognizing fungal research including innovative uses of fungi for environmental cleanup and sustainable energy storage. The report also discusses emerging therapeutic uses of psilocybin-containing mushrooms for treating depression and anxiety, and emphasizes the importance of international gatherings for mycologists to share discoveries and collaborate.

Fusiform nanoparticle boosts efficient genetic transformation in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

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Scientists developed a new method using tiny fusiform nanoparticles to introduce genes into a destructive plant fungus called Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. This approach is simpler and faster than traditional genetic engineering methods because it doesn’t require complex cell preparation steps. The research shows that by silencing specific fungal genes, they could reduce the fungus’s ability to cause disease, which could help develop better strategies to protect crops like rapeseed and soybean.

Research Keyword: fungal pathogenesis