invasive fungal infection – Page 3

Estimated burden of serious mycoses in Poland

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This study reveals that Poland has a significant but underreported problem with serious fungal infections affecting thousands of people annually. The most common fungal infections are yeast infections like candidosis, while mold infections like aspergillosis are the most serious in immunocompromised patients. The research shows that current reporting systems severely underestimate the true burden of these infections, highlighting the need for better surveillance and diagnostic practices.

Invasive Cutaneous Mucormycosis in a Patient With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia on Obinutuzumab, Idelalisib, and Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Degrader: A Case Report

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A 74-year-old man with blood cancer developed a serious fungal skin infection caused by Mucorales while taking multiple targeted cancer drugs. The infection appeared as a darkening ulcer on his ankle that rapidly worsened. Doctors diagnosed it using a skin biopsy showing characteristic fungal structures, though standard fungal tests came back negative. The patient required amputation of his leg below the knee to remove all the infected tissue, along with antifungal medications, and ultimately recovered.

Approaches to Invasive Fungal Diseases in Paediatric Cancer Centres: An Analysis of Current Practices and Challenges in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

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This research examined how pediatric cancer hospitals in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland manage fungal infections, which are a serious risk for children undergoing cancer treatment. The survey found that while most hospitals have infection specialists and antifungal prevention strategies, there are significant differences in how they diagnose and treat these infections. The study identified key challenges like drug interactions and delays in testing, and suggests that better networks between cancer and infection specialists could improve patient care.

Aspergillus fumigatus dsRNA virus promotes fungal fitness and pathogenicity in the mammalian host

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A virus that infects the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus (which causes serious lung infections in humans) actually makes the fungus more dangerous by improving its ability to survive stress and spread disease. Scientists found that removing this virus from the fungus made infections less severe in mice. They also discovered that antiviral drugs like ribavirin could potentially be used to weaken these virus-infected fungi and improve patient survival.

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.

Clinical profiling, antifungal drug susceptibility, and biofilm formation ability in pulmonary mucormycosis

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This study examined 26 patients with a serious lung fungal infection called mucormycosis in a Beijing hospital. Most patients were older with health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure, and sadly about 4 in 10 died. Interestingly, most patients had other infections (viral or fungal) before developing mucormycosis. The researchers tested which antifungal drugs worked best against the fungus, finding that amphotericin B was most effective, though it can damage kidneys. They also discovered that most of the fungal strains could form protective biofilm structures, making treatment more difficult.

Characterization of the Spatiotemporal Localization of a Pan-Mucorales–Specific Antigen During Germination and Immunohistochemistry

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Researchers developed a new diagnostic test using a special antibody that can detect Mucorales fungi, which cause a serious infection called mucormycosis. The antibody glows to mark growing fungal threads in tissue samples, helping doctors identify the infection early and distinguish it from other mold infections like Aspergillus. This breakthrough could significantly improve patient outcomes by enabling faster diagnosis and treatment of this aggressive fungal disease.

The Burden of Neonatal Invasive Candidiasis in Low- and Middle-income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

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This study examined fungal blood infections in newborns across low- and middle-income countries, analyzing data from nearly 11,000 cases. Researchers found these infections occur more frequently and have higher death rates in poorer countries compared to wealthy nations. They identified that most infections are caused by Candida fungus species, and many of these fungi have become resistant to fluconazole, the most commonly used treatment drug.

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

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A 5-year-old girl with systemic juvenile arthritis being treated with immunosuppressive medications developed a rare and serious fungal infection in her nose and sinuses caused by a mold called Lichtheimia. The infection caused tissue death and spread toward her brain, but was successfully treated with combination antifungal drugs and surgery. This case highlights how powerful immunosuppressive treatments for severe arthritis can increase the risk of life-threatening fungal infections.

Liposomal amphotericin B prophylaxis in paediatrics: a systematic review

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This review examined how well liposomal amphotericin B (a fungal medication) works to prevent serious fungal infections in children. Researchers looked at 20 studies involving over 2000 children and found that about 7% still developed fungal infections despite the medication, with common side effects being low potassium levels and liver problems. The main finding is that doctors use this medication in very different ways, and we need better research to figure out the best dosing strategy for children.

Research Keyword: invasive fungal infection