fungal susceptibility testing

Toward the consensus of definitions for the phenomena of antifungal tolerance and persistence in filamentous fungi

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Scientists have proposed clear definitions and testing methods for two drug-resistance phenomena in fungi that cause infections. Unlike typical drug resistance, tolerance and persistence allow fungi to survive antifungal medications but in different ways: tolerance affects most spores while persistence affects only a small fraction. By standardizing how these phenomena are tested using fungal spores and measuring how quickly drugs kill them, researchers can better understand treatment failures and develop better therapies.

Targeted long-read sequencing analysis and antifungal susceptibility profiles of Sporothrix schenckii isolates from Thailand

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Researchers in Thailand studied a fungal infection called sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix schenckii, which infects both cats and humans. Using advanced DNA sequencing technology from Oxford Nanopore, they identified and classified 26 fungal samples and tested how well common antifungal medications worked against them. They found that calmodulin gene sequencing was better than the standard ITS test for identifying the fungus species, and that about one-third of the samples showed reduced sensitivity to the main treatment drug, itraconazole.

Genotypic and Phenotypic Investigation of Clinical Aspergillus isolates from Iran Indicates Nosocomial Transmission Events of Aspergillus flavus

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Researchers studied fungal infections caused by Aspergillus species in Iranian hospitals from 2020 to 2023. They found that Aspergillus flavus was the most common cause of infection and discovered evidence of several hospital-related outbreaks through genetic analysis. All isolates tested were susceptible to current antifungal medications, but the discovery of hospital transmission suggests the need for better infection control measures like improved air filtration in hospitals.

The association of Yarrowia lipolytica with onychomycosis

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A 20-year-old woman had a persistent toenail infection that did not respond to multiple antifungal treatments. Researchers identified the cause as Yarrowia lipolytica, an unusual yeast that had never been found causing nail infections before. The yeast was resistant to several common antifungal medications, explaining why previous treatments failed. This case shows the importance of identifying the exact fungus causing an infection to develop effective treatment strategies.

The association of Yarrowia lipolytica with onychomycosis

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A 20-year-old woman suffered from a persistent toenail infection that didn’t respond to several standard antifungal treatments over five years. Researchers identified the culprit as Yarrowia lipolytica, a rare yeast not previously known to cause nail infections. Testing showed this yeast was resistant to common antifungal medications the patient had received, explaining why previous treatments failed. This unusual case highlights the importance of properly identifying fungal pathogens and testing them for drug resistance before starting treatment.

Masquerading Yeast: A Case Report of Lomentospora prolificans Fungemia With a Diagnostic Twist

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This case describes a patient with blood cancer who developed a rare and deadly mold infection called Lomentospora prolificans while receiving cancer treatment. The infection was difficult to diagnose initially because the fungal structures looked similar to yeast under the microscope, and a molecular test gave a false positive result for a different fungus. Unfortunately, the infection was resistant to all available antifungal medications and the patient died.

Assessing Diagnostic Capabilities and Treatment Accessibility for Invasive Fungal Infections in the Balkan Region

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Researchers surveyed medical centers across 12 Balkan countries to understand how well-equipped they are to diagnose and treat serious fungal infections. They found that while most centers have basic laboratory tools like microscopes and cultures, advanced molecular tests for identifying fungal species are less common. Antifungal medications like triazoles are widely available, but other important treatment options are harder to find in the region.

Cold atmospheric plasma improves antifungal responsiveness of Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium keratoplasticum conidia and mycelia

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Researchers tested a new treatment called cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) combined with antifungal medications against fungi that cause serious eye infections. CAP, which generates reactive molecules without heat, was found to make antifungal drugs work better against two major fungal pathogens. In some cases, drugs that previously didn’t work started working when combined with CAP. This approach could help treat difficult fungal eye infections that are resistant to standard medications.

Antimicrobial and antiparasitic potential of lupeol: antifungal effect on the Candida parapsilosis species complex and nematicidal activity against Caenorhabditis elegans

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Researchers tested a natural compound called lupeol against disease-causing yeasts and parasitic worms. Lupeol successfully killed or inhibited the growth of Candida yeast species that are becoming resistant to current medications. The compound also showed strong activity against parasitic roundworms. This discovery suggests lupeol could be developed as a new treatment option for fungal and parasitic infections.

Research Keyword: fungal susceptibility testing