immunosuppression – Page 4

Disseminated Lichtheimia ramosa infection in a Japanese Black calf

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A young beef calf developed severe diarrhea and fever that did not respond to multiple antibiotics. The calf had an underdeveloped immune system (missing thymus gland) and was treated with many antibiotics and steroids, which weakened its immune system further. After death, examination revealed the calf had a widespread fungal infection caused by Lichtheimia ramosa in the liver and digestive tract, representing the first documented case of this type in Japanese Black cattle.

Candida krusei Empyema: A Lung Transplant Case and Systematic Review of the Literature

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Candida krusei is a dangerous yeast that causes a serious lung infection called empyema, where pus collects around the lungs. This infection is particularly difficult to treat because the yeast is resistant to common antifungal drugs like fluconazole and can form protective biofilms. This systematic review identified only ten cases of this rare infection in the medical literature, showing how uncommon but serious it is, and found that patients need aggressive treatment with multiple antifungal medications combined with surgical drainage to survive.

BTK drives neutrophil activation for sterilizing antifungal immunity

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BTK is a protein that helps neutrophils (immune cells) fight fungal infections, particularly Aspergillus fumigatus. A cancer drug called ibrutinib blocks BTK, which weakens neutrophil antifungal responses and increases the risk of serious fungal infections. The study found that GM-CSF may help restore some immune function in patients taking BTK-blocking drugs, offering a potential strategy to prevent these dangerous infections.

Disseminated Lichtheimia ramosa infection in a Japanese Black calf

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A young calf developed a serious fungal infection caused by Lichtheimia ramosa despite treatment with multiple antibiotics. The calf had an underdeveloped thymus gland, making it vulnerable to infections. The fungus spread throughout the calf’s body, affecting the liver and digestive system. This case highlights how prolonged antibiotic use and weakened immunity can allow dangerous fungi to flourish.

Invasive Rhinocerebral Mucormycosis Is a Rare Complication in Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Patient

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A 5-year-old girl with a serious joint disease called systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis developed a dangerous fungal infection in her nasal cavity and brain area. The fungal infection, caused by a mold organism called Lichtheimia, occurred because her immune system was severely weakened by medications used to treat her arthritis. Doctors treated the infection with antifungal drugs and surgery, and the patient eventually recovered by switching to a different arthritis medication. This case highlights how the strong medications needed to control some childhood arthritis can unexpectedly cause serious fungal infections.

Deep Fungal Infection of the Skin with Two Rare Fungi in a Dog Being Treated with Immunosuppressant Therapy: A Case Report

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An 8-year-old dog receiving long-term immunosuppressive medication for brain inflammation developed rare fungal skin infections caused by two unusual fungi not previously reported together in veterinary medicine. Diagnosis required multiple tests including tissue samples, staining techniques, and genetic testing. Despite treatment with antifungal medications and careful adjustment of immunosuppressive drugs, the infections did not improve, highlighting the difficult balance between fighting infections and controlling the underlying immune disease.

Mixed Infection With Aspergillosis and Actinomycosis in the Maxillary Sinus: A Case Report

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A 74-year-old woman had a purulent nasal discharge for 1.5 years caused by two different infections occurring simultaneously in her maxillary sinus: aspergillosis (a fungal infection) and actinomycosis (a bacterial infection). Imaging initially suggested only a fungal ball, but pathological examination revealed both organisms were present. The patient was successfully treated with surgical removal of the infected material followed by antibiotic therapy.

Phaeohyphomycosis due to Nigrograna chromolaenae in a cardiac transplant patient

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A 71-year-old heart transplant patient developed a slowly growing bump on his finger caused by a rare fungus called Nigrograna chromolaenae. Doctors initially tried common antifungal medications that didn’t work well, but the patient improved significantly when switched to posaconazole treatment. This is the first documented case of this particular fungus infecting a human, highlighting the importance of accurately identifying fungi to choose the right treatment.

Life-threatening airway stenosis due to Scedosporium infection during nontuberculous mycobacteria treatment: A case report

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A 73-year-old woman with arthritis treated with immunosuppressive drugs and a lung infection developed a life-threatening narrowing of her airway caused by a rare fungal infection called Scedosporium apiospermum. Doctors used a combination of emergency measures including a breathing support machine, insertion of a special tube to keep the airway open, and strong antifungal medication to treat the infection. After six months of treatment, the fungal infection was completely gone and the special airway tube was successfully removed, allowing normal healing.

Different metabolite profiles across Penicillium roqueforti populations associated with ecological niche specialisation and domestication

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This study examined how different populations of the blue cheese fungus Penicillium roqueforti produce varying amounts of toxic and beneficial compounds depending on their environment. Cheese-making strains were found to produce fewer toxins than strains from spoiled food and lumber, likely due to selective breeding for safer products. The research identified specific genetic mutations that prevent cheese strains from producing certain toxins, helping explain why some cheese strains are safer than others.

Research Keyword: immunosuppression