invasive candidiasis

Clinical Isolate of Candida tropicalis from a Patient in North Carolina: Identification, Whole-Genome Sequence Analysis, and Anticandidal Activity of Ganoderma lucidum

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Researchers in North Carolina identified a drug-resistant yeast infection (Candida tropicalis) from a hospital patient and tested whether extracts from reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) could kill it. Using genetic analysis, they found mutations in the yeast that help it resist antifungal drugs. All three types of mushroom extracts tested successfully stopped the yeast’s growth and damaged its cells, suggesting that reishi mushrooms could be a promising natural treatment option for hard-to-treat candida infections.

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

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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.

Detection of ERG11 gene mutation in coding and non-coding regions of clinical Candida glabrata (Nakaseomyces glabratus) isolates from Pakistan

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Researchers in Pakistan identified genetic mutations in a dangerous fungus called Candida glabrata that makes it resistant to azole drugs, which are commonly used to treat fungal infections. They examined eight clinical samples and found novel mutations in the ERG11 gene, particularly in the promoter region of resistant strains. These findings suggest that the fungus may be developing new ways to survive azole treatment, which has important implications for patient treatment strategies.

The Prognostic Value of (1→3)-β-D-Glucan in COVID-19 Patients with and Without Secondary Fungal Disease

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During COVID-19 infection, a fungal marker called beta-D-glucan (BDG) in the blood can predict patient survival even without a diagnosed fungal infection. Researchers found that COVID-19 patients with high BDG levels had a 91% death rate if not treated with antifungal drugs, but this dropped to 50% when antifungal therapy was given. The high BDG levels trigger a strong inflammatory response in the body that worsens disease severity, making BDG a valuable warning sign for doctors treating critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Efficacy of Rezafungin on Candida albicans Endophthalmitis in a Rabbit Model

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Researchers tested a new antifungal medication called rezafungin to treat a serious eye infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans. Using rabbit models, they found that rezafungin was much more effective than two other antifungal drugs at clearing the infection from the eye and preventing damage to vision. The drug’s ability to work for longer periods with less frequent dosing makes it a promising candidate for treating this devastating infection in patients.

Multilocus sequence typing of Candida albicans isolates from wild and farm animals from southern Italy

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Researchers in Italy studied a fungus called Candida albicans that can infect both humans and animals. They analyzed samples from chickens, wild boars, and lizards to understand how genetically similar these animal strains are to human infections. They found that animal strains are very similar to human strains, suggesting the fungus could be passed between animals and people. This research highlights the importance of monitoring fungal infections in animals to understand public health risks.

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

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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.

Glycan microarray analysis of Candida-related antibodies in human and mice sera guides biomarker discovery and vaccine development

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Researchers developed a test using synthetic sugar molecules found on Candida yeast to detect antibodies in blood from infected patients and mice. They discovered that the immune system produces different antibodies at different stages of infection, starting with antibodies against certain sugars and later focusing on others. The study identified three specific sugar structures that could be used to create simple blood tests to diagnose Candida infections and potentially develop vaccines to prevent these serious fungal infections.

Changing Climate, Changing Candida: Environmental and Social Pressures on Invasive Candidiasis and Antifungal Resistance in Latin America

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Invasive fungal infections caused by Candida yeasts are becoming more serious in Latin America, with drug-resistant strains spreading rapidly in hospitals. The problem is worsened by climate change and overuse of antifungal medicines in agriculture, which help resistant fungi survive and spread. Many hospitals in the region lack modern diagnostic tools to quickly identify the specific type of infection, delaying treatment. The authors recommend a comprehensive approach combining better environmental monitoring, smarter use of antifungal drugs, improved diagnostic access, and coordinated public health efforts across the region.

Epidemiology of Candidemia, Candiduria and Emerging Candidozyma (Candida) auris Across Gulf Cooperative Council Countries and Yemen in the Arabian Peninsula

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This comprehensive review examines fungal bloodstream and urinary tract infections caused by Candida species across Middle Eastern countries. The study shows that while Candida albicans remains common, dangerous antibiotic-resistant strains like Candidozyma auris are increasingly appearing in hospitals. The research highlights that better diagnostic tools and infection prevention practices are urgently needed in the region to protect patients and reduce deaths from these serious infections.

Research Keyword: invasive candidiasis