Researchers studied a specific gene called Sec2p in a dangerous fungus that causes serious lung infections in people with weak immune systems. By removing this gene, they found the fungus grew much slower, was less deadly to mice, and the infected animals survived longer. This discovery could lead to new treatments for fungal infections by targeting the Sec2p gene.
Fungal infections can spread to bones and joints, causing serious complications especially in people with weakened immune systems. These infections are tricky to diagnose because their symptoms are similar to bacterial infections or other diseases. Treatment typically involves antifungal medications and sometimes surgery to remove infected tissue. Early detection and aggressive treatment are crucial for better patient outcomes.
A young cow developed a severe fungal infection caused by Lichtheimia ramosa, a rare type of mold. The infection spread throughout the cow’s body, affecting the liver and digestive system. The cow had an underdeveloped immune system (thymus hypoplasia) and was given multiple antibiotics for weeks, which actually made the fungal infection worse by killing normal protective bacteria. Despite various treatments, the cow’s condition worsened and it had to be euthanized.
This scientific review examines why some people without HIV are getting serious Cryptococcus infections and becoming very sick. Researchers found that people with liver problems, kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune diseases face much higher risk. The review also identifies new drugs and therapies that can surprisingly increase infection risk, highlighting the importance of understanding individual patient factors when treating these dangerous fungal infections.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a dangerous fungal infection called mucormycosis was found in 63 patients in northwestern Iran. The infection was caused mainly by a fungus called Rhizopus arrhizus and most commonly affected the sinuses and brain. Most patients had been given high-dose steroids to treat their COVID-19, which weakened their immune systems and increased their risk of this serious fungal infection, especially those with diabetes.
This study looked at how often a serious fungal skin infection called coccidioidomycosis comes back after treatment. Researchers found that about 25% of patients experienced at least one recurrence after stopping antifungal medications, with the average time before it returned being 14 months. Some patients had multiple recurrences, and most of the time the infection returned to the same location on the body.
Researchers found that growing koji mold (Aspergillus luchuensis) alongside mouse immune cells in the laboratory significantly increases the production of valuable bioactive compounds. The mold releases enzymes called proteases that break down proteins from the animal cells, which the fungus then uses as building blocks to create medicinal compounds. This discovery shows that coculturing microorganisms with animal cells is an effective strategy to unlock hidden chemical production capabilities in fungi, which could lead to new medicines and useful compounds.
Scientists discovered that when a dangerous fungus called Aspergillus terreus is grown together with immune cells, it produces a special compound called butyrolactone Ia that helps it hide from the body’s defense system. This compound works by reducing inflammatory signals that immune cells use to fight the fungus. The research shows that direct contact between the fungus and immune cells is needed to trigger this protective compound production, suggesting the fungus responds directly to the threat of immune attack.
Candida krusei is a dangerous fungus that can cause fluid buildup around the lungs (empyema), particularly in transplant patients. Unlike common fungal infections that respond to fluconazole, this species is naturally resistant to this drug, making it harder to treat. The fungus forms protective biofilms that shield it from treatment, requiring combination antifungal medications and sometimes surgery to drain the fluid and remove infected tissue for successful recovery.
A Colombian patient living in Spain developed a serious fungal infection (histoplasmosis) that spread throughout his body and affected his bone marrow, which was discovered during his HIV diagnosis. Doctors identified the infection by examining bone marrow cells under a microscope and confirmed it with fungal culture and genetic testing. The patient was treated with antifungal medication (liposomal amphotericin B) along with HIV medications and recovered well, highlighting the importance of bone marrow testing in severely immunocompromised HIV patients.