immunocompromised patients – Page 5

Genomic Insights of Candida krusei, an Emerging Fungal Pathogen With Intrinsic Antifungal Resistance

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Candida krusei is a yeast that causes serious bloodstream infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems. Unlike many other fungi, it naturally resists common antifungal drugs like fluconazole, making infections hard to treat. The organism can form protective biofilms and has multiple genetic mechanisms that help it survive antifungal treatment. Researchers are exploring new drugs and treatment strategies to combat this growing health threat, especially in hospitals.

Knowledge framework and emerging trends of invasive pulmonary fungal infection: A bibliometric analysis (2003–2023)

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This study examined 20 years of scientific research on invasive lung fungal infections using bibliometric analysis. The research found that the United States leads in fungal infection research, with emerging focus areas including COVID-19-associated fungal infections and new diagnostic methods like metagenomic sequencing. The findings show that diagnosis remains challenging and requires improved detection methods, while treatment typically involves antifungal medications like voriconazole and amphotericin-B.

Fungal vaccines: so needed, so feasible, and yet so far off

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Fungal infections kill millions of people worldwide each year, particularly those with weakened immune systems, yet no vaccines exist to prevent them. Scientists have discovered that a specific fungal enzyme called Eng2 can trigger protective immune responses against three major disease-causing fungi. A vaccine containing this enzyme from all three fungi species could potentially protect against multiple dangerous fungal infections, though challenges like cost and the need to work in immunocompromised patients remain before such vaccines reach patients.

Global, Regional, and National Burden of Pulmonary Fungal Infections 1990–2021

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This study analyzed the global impact of fungal lung infections from 1990 to 2021, finding that about 5.6 million people were affected in 2021 with significant mortality rates. The burden of these infections is particularly high in low- and middle-income countries and affects older individuals more severely. The researchers project that deaths from fungal lung infections will double by 2044, emphasizing the need for better prevention strategies, vaccines, and international cooperation to address this growing health challenge.

Photo Quiz: A cutaneous fungal infection with discordant biomarker results—a diagnostic challenge

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A woman with advanced HIV infection presented with skin sores and respiratory symptoms that were initially suspected to be a viral infection. Testing revealed she had histoplasmosis, a serious fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum that had spread throughout her body affecting her skin, lungs, and lymph nodes. While standard tests for this fungus were negative, other fungal markers and cultures eventually confirmed the diagnosis, and she was treated with antifungal medications.

Clinical aspects and recent advances in fungal diseases impacting human health

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Fungal infections are becoming a major health threat, affecting over a billion people worldwide. The main problems are difficulty diagnosing these infections, increasing resistance to current medications, and limited treatment options. Doctors and the public need better awareness, and new antifungal drugs with different approaches are needed to effectively treat resistant infections.

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 developed a serious immune system disorder called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis triggered by Epstein-Barr virus infection. Despite aggressive treatment, she developed a life-threatening fungal infection caused by mucormycosis that spread throughout her digestive system. The case illustrates how fungal infections can rapidly progress and become fatal in children with severely weakened immune systems, emphasizing the need for doctors to recognize early warning signs like tissue darkening on the skin.

Invasive nasal and paranasal mucormycosis in a patient with severe dengue fever and multiple risk factors: A case report and literature review

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A 50-year-old woman in Vietnam developed a rare and deadly fungal infection called mucormycosis while recovering from dengue fever. She had weakened immunity from taking steroids for other conditions and from the dengue virus itself. The infection caused black, dead tissue to rapidly spread in her nose and around her eye. Despite treatment with antifungal medications, the infection progressed, and she died within days. The case shows how important it is to watch for dangerous opportunistic infections in dengue patients, especially those already dealing with weakened immune systems.

Black mold in the bag room: First case of Arthrocladium tropicale peritonitis in a peritoneal dialysis patient

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An 82-year-old dialysis patient developed an unusual infection caused by a black mold called Arthrocladium tropicale, which had never been documented in humans before. The infection was traced to poor storage conditions and ant infestations near the patient’s dialysis supplies in Thailand during rainy season. Doctors identified the rare fungus using molecular genetic testing and treated it successfully with antifungal medication combined with removal of the dialysis catheter. This case highlights the importance of keeping dialysis equipment in clean, dry environments and preventing pest access to prevent serious infections.

Increasing postgraduate medical mycology research dissertations at Uganda’s higher institution of learning

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This study shows how providing research funding helped increase medical mycology studies at a Ugandan university. Over just two years, the percentage of graduate student research focused on fungal diseases jumped from 16% to 40%. Students studied important fungal infections like cryptococcal meningitis and candida, using modern laboratory techniques. The research group’s collaborative learning approach and financial support enabled students to complete their studies on time and advance understanding of fungal diseases that significantly impact public health.

Research Keyword: immunocompromised patients