immunocompromised patients – Page 9

Invasive Saprochaete capitata Infection in an Immunocompromised Patient With Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Case Report

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A 46-year-old man with blood cancer developed a serious fungal infection caused by Saprochaete capitata during chemotherapy. This rare but dangerous fungus was found in his blood and lungs, causing fever and breathing problems. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of two antifungal medications and fully recovered, though this infection typically has a high death rate.

Cracks in the Curriculum: The Hidden Deficiencies in Fungal Disease Coverage in Medical Books

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This study examined how well major medical textbooks teach doctors and medical students about fungal infections. Researchers found that books focused on infectious diseases do a much better job than general medicine textbooks in covering important information about fungal diseases. Many textbooks lack sufficient information about preventing fungal infections and diagnosing them correctly, which could lead to delayed treatment and poor patient outcomes.

Mucor germinans, a novel dimorphic species resembling Paracoccidioides in a clinical sample: questions on ecological strategy

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Researchers identified a new fungal species called Mucor germinans from a patient with Burkitt lymphoma that can switch between filamentous and yeast-like forms. This is unusual because Mucor species are typically identified by their thread-like filaments, not budding yeast cells. The yeast form appeared at body temperature and resembled a different fungus called Paracoccidioides, potentially causing misdiagnosis. The discovery emphasizes the importance of recognizing that some Mucor infections may present with yeast-like cells and highlights the need for rapid, accurate identification to guide appropriate antifungal treatment.

Olorofim activity against multidrug-resistant Fusarium unveils intra-species and inter-species variability

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Researchers tested a new antifungal drug called olorofim against 253 different Fusarium fungi that infect humans. Fusarium is particularly dangerous for people with weakened immune systems and resists most common antifungals. The study found that olorofim works, but its effectiveness varies significantly depending on which type of Fusarium is present. While these lab results are promising, additional testing in animal models is needed before it can be used clinically.

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

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A study from Makerere University in Uganda found that funding has significantly boosted research on fungal diseases among graduate students. The number of students focusing on medical mycology jumped from 16% to 40% between 2023 and 2024, with more advanced laboratory techniques being used. The research focused on serious fungal infections like cryptococcal meningitis, which particularly affects people with HIV/AIDS. The university’s creation of a collaborative research group helped students work together and complete their projects on time.

Persistent Candidemia: Predictors and Outcomes in a Multicenter Matched Analysis

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This study examined cases where fungal infections caused by Candida persisted in the bloodstream even after starting antifungal treatment. Researchers compared 46 patients with persistent infections to 92 control patients without persistent infections across three major medical centers. Patients with persistent candidemia were younger, more likely to be female, had more health complications, and sadly had much higher death rates (54% vs 31%) within 90 days. The findings suggest that certain patient characteristics and fungal species types may help identify those at higher risk of persistent infections.

Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis in diabetic ketoacidosis: A classic clinical presentation still unknown in Senegal

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A young woman in Senegal with uncontrolled diabetes developed a serious fungal infection affecting her eye and brain caused by Rhizopus oryzae. Despite showing classic warning signs like swelling and tissue death, the infection was not diagnosed quickly enough, and the necessary antifungal medication (amphotericin B) was not available, resulting in her death within three days. This case highlights how invasive fungal infections are underrecognized and undertreated in Africa due to limited laboratory capacity and drug availability.

Breaking down biofilms across critical priority fungal pathogens: proteomics and computational innovation for mechanistic insights and new target discovery

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Fungal infections like cryptococcal meningitis and invasive aspergillosis are becoming increasingly difficult to treat because fungi form protective structures called biofilms that resist our current medications. Researchers are using advanced techniques like mass spectrometry to identify the proteins that help fungi build these biofilms, combined with artificial intelligence tools to design new drugs that could break down these protective shields. This combined approach offers hope for developing better antifungal treatments that could save millions of lives.

Gastrointestinal and Intra-Abdominal Mucormycosis in Non-Haematological Patients—A Comprehensive Review

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This review examines a serious but rare fungal infection called mucormycosis that affects the stomach and intestines. The infection most commonly occurs in patients with diabetes, those who have received organ transplants, or those in intensive care units. Diagnosis can be difficult because symptoms are non-specific, but prompt treatment with antifungal medications and surgery when possible significantly improves survival rates. Early recognition and rapid diagnosis are critical for patients to have the best outcomes.

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

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This comprehensive study by Portugal’s mycology experts examines four dangerous fungi that cause severe infections: Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida auris, Candida albicans, and Cryptococcus neoformans. The research shows that Portugal’s hospitals have varying capabilities to diagnose and treat these infections, with some laboratories well-equipped and others lacking advanced diagnostic tools. The study found concerning increases in antifungal resistance and highlights that these fungi live in hospitals, water systems, soil, and even animals, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches connecting human, animal, and environmental health to better protect public health.

Research Keyword: immunocompromised patients