Research Keyword: immunocompromised patients

The Rising Threat of Mucormycosis: Oman’s Experience Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Mucormycosis is a serious fungal infection that became much more common in Oman during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most patients had diabetes and nearly half had COVID-19, with very high death rates. The infection primarily affects the sinuses and brain, and requires aggressive treatment with surgery and antifungal medications. This study shows doctors need better tools to detect and treat this dangerous infection, especially during health crises.

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Detection of Opportunistic Fungi from the Bronchoalveolar Lavage Specimens of Patients with Pulmonary Diseases

Researchers examined lung fluid samples from patients with lung diseases to identify fungal infections. They found various types of fungi including Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Pneumocystis using microscopy and laboratory tests. Large numbers of fungi were present in many samples, which could interfere with medicine absorption and treatment. The study shows that quick and accurate identification of these fungi is important for treating lung infections properly.

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Intermittent low-dose far-UVC irradiation inhibits growth of common mold below threshold limit value

This study shows that a special type of ultraviolet light called far-UVC, operating at 222 nanometers, can effectively stop common household mold from growing. The light works best when it cycles on and off throughout the day, and importantly, the doses used are safe enough for people to be in the same room. This technology could help prevent mold problems in homes and hospitals without requiring chemicals or forcing people to leave the area.

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Addressing Critical Fungal Pathogens Under a One Health Perspective: Key Insights from the Portuguese Association of Medical Mycology

Four dangerous fungal species pose growing threats to human health worldwide, especially for people with weakened immune systems. Portugal’s medical experts have reviewed the current situation, finding these fungi increasingly resistant to treatment, present in hospitals and the environment, and occasionally spreading from animals to people. The review emphasizes the need for better testing, coordinated tracking systems, and approaches that consider human, animal, and environmental health together to combat this emerging crisis.

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The 2025 EQUAL Pneumocystis Score—an ECMM tool to measure QUALity in Pneumocystis pneumonia management

Pneumocystis pneumonia is a serious lung infection that affects people with weakened immune systems, including those with HIV and transplant patients. Doctors use different guidelines to diagnose and treat this infection, but these guidelines are complex and can be hard to follow consistently. Researchers created a new scoring system called the EQUAL Pneumocystis Score that helps doctors follow the best treatment recommendations by assigning points for different diagnostic tests, medications, and follow-up strategies.

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Exploring the Siderophore Portfolio for Mass Spectrometry-Based Diagnosis of Scedosporiosis and Lomentosporiosis

Two dangerous opportunistic fungi that cause serious infections in vulnerable patients produce distinct chemical compounds called siderophores to help them acquire iron from their hosts. Researchers used advanced mass spectrometry techniques to detect and measure these compounds, finding that one fungus produces significantly more of these iron-scavenging molecules, which may explain why it causes more severe infections. These siderophores could potentially be used as diagnostic markers in medical laboratories to quickly identify these infections in patient samples.

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Isolation and identification of Fusarium species from the water systems of ICUs and transplant wards of hospitals and determination of the in vitro susceptibilities of isolates to conventional antifungals

Researchers found dangerous Fusarium fungal species in water systems of hospital ICU wards in Tehran, Iran. These fungi can spread through water fixtures and pose serious risks to patients with weak immune systems. Testing showed that certain antifungal drugs like posaconazole and voriconazole worked well against these fungi, but other drugs were less effective. The study emphasizes the importance of better water management and safety measures in hospitals to protect vulnerable patients.

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

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.

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Advances in Fungal Infection Research: From Novel Diagnostics to Innovative Therapeutics

Fungal infections are becoming increasingly serious, especially for people with weakened immune systems, and some fungi are developing resistance to current medications. Researchers are developing faster diagnostic tests using molecular techniques and exploring new treatment approaches including repurposing existing drugs and developing vaccines. Monitoring and prevention programs in hospitals are essential to control the spread of these infections and improve patient outcomes.

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Sarocladium implicatum: an unusual agent of opportunistic infection in a COVID-19 patient

A patient hospitalized with severe COVID-19 developed an unusual infection caused by a mold called Sarocladium implicatum, which typically affects plants. Due to weakened immune system from his illness and medications, the fungus spread to his bloodstream and lungs, causing persistent fever and a cavity in his lung. After molecular testing identified the fungus, he was treated with an antifungal medication called voriconazole, which successfully cured the infection.

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