histopathology – Page 2

Catastrophic Cerebral Infarctions in a Pediatric Patient with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Due to Mucorales Infection

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An 11-year-old girl with leukemia undergoing chemotherapy developed a severe fungal infection called mucormycosis caused by Lichtheimia ramosa. The infection spread rapidly from her sinuses to her eyes and brain, causing multiple blood clots in brain arteries and a massive stroke within just five days. Despite emergency surgery to remove the clots, the infection had progressed too far and the patient sadly did not survive, highlighting how dangerous this fungal infection can be in children with weakened immune systems.

Efficacy assessments of SF001, a next-generation polyene antifungal, in a neutropenic mouse model of invasive fusariosis

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This study tested a new antifungal drug called SF001 against a serious infection called fusariosis in mice. SF001 performed as well as the current standard treatment (amphotericin B) but with better safety profiles. The drug successfully reduced fungal infections in organs and improved survival rates in infected mice without showing signs of toxicity at higher doses.

Epidemiology of Onychomycosis in the United States Characterized Using Molecular Methods, 2015–2024

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This large study examined over 710,000 nail samples to identify which fungi cause nail infections in the United States. Using modern molecular testing combined with microscopic analysis, researchers found that while the fungus T. rubrum is most common, other molds and yeasts cause many infections too. Importantly, women and older adults are more likely to have infections from these other organisms, which are often harder to treat with standard antifungal medications.

Onychomycosis in the US Pediatric Population—An Emphasis on Fusarium Onychomycosis

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This study examined nail fungus infections in American children using advanced molecular testing. Researchers found that elementary school-aged children (ages 6-11) have the highest rates of nail fungus, usually caused by common fungi like Trichophyton rubrum. Notably, Fusarium, an environmental fungus that was once rare in nail infections, is becoming increasingly common, especially in older teenagers, which may require different treatment approaches.

Disseminated mucormycosis leading to a fatal gastrointestinal perforation in a pediatric case of EBV-associated Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

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A 12-month-old girl with a serious immune system disorder called HLH developed a rare and dangerous fungal infection called mucormycosis. Despite receiving the best available treatments, the fungal infection spread throughout her digestive system and caused a perforation (hole) in her intestines. The doctors found it difficult to diagnose the fungal infection early because the warning signs were subtle, and the infection progressed very rapidly. Unfortunately, the girl passed away despite emergency surgery and high-dose antifungal medications.

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

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This case series describes five patients from India who developed a serious fungal infection in their jaw and mouth after dental procedures. All patients had uncontrolled diabetes, which weakened their immune system and allowed the fungus to grow. The infection was treated with anti-fungal medications and surgery, and most patients recovered well. The study emphasizes the importance of keeping dental equipment sterile and managing blood sugar levels properly before dental work.

Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii and Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum infections on tissue sections: Diagnostic pitfalls and relevance of an integrated histomolecular diagnosis

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This research addresses the challenge of identifying two common fungal infections (cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis) when examining tissue samples under a microscope. The study found that these infections often look similar and can be confusing for pathologists. The researchers discovered that looking for specific fungal features, particularly ‘dented-looking’ yeasts, can help differentiate cryptococcosis from histoplasmosis. When standard laboratory tests on fresh tissue aren’t available, using molecular testing (genetic analysis) on preserved tissue samples can successfully identify the fungus in about 75% of cases.

Invasive fungal otitis media with peripheral facial paralysis

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This case describes a rare fungal ear infection caused by Aspergillus fumigatus that spread to the mastoid bone and caused facial nerve paralysis. The patient had ear drainage and hearing loss for 4 years before diagnosis. Treatment required two surgical procedures to remove infected tissue combined with 6 months of antifungal medication, eventually resulting in healing and recovery of facial nerve function.

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 fungal infection caused by a rare fungus called Basidiobolus ranarum in his thigh, which started from an insect bite two years earlier. The infection caused tissue death and was complicated by bacterial superinfection, requiring aggressive treatment with multiple antibiotics and antifungal medications along with several surgeries. Doctors used a combination approach including voriconazole, potassium iodide, and itraconazole to finally control the infection, though amputation was necessary due to the extent of tissue damage. The case highlights the importance of early medical care and demonstrates that rare fungal infections can be life-threatening even in otherwise healthy people.

Case Report: Aspergillosis and Cyathostoma americana co-infection in the lower respiratory tract of a Harris’s Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus)

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A 12-year-old Harris’s Hawk died from a rare combination of two serious infections affecting its lungs and air sacs: a fungal infection (Aspergillus fumigatus) and a parasitic worm infection (Cyathostoma americana). This is the first documented case of these two infections occurring together in a hawk. The worms and fungus caused severe inflammation and tissue damage, ultimately leading to the bird’s death. This case highlights how multiple infections can work together to make disease more severe in captive birds of prey.

Research Keyword: histopathology