invasive fungal infections – Page 2

Informing the World Health Organization Fungal Priority Pathogens List (WHO-FPPL): A collection of systematic reviews

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The World Health Organization created a priority list of dangerous fungal infections affecting millions of people globally each year. Experts reviewed 19 different fungal pathogens and ranked them by how dangerous they are and how much they need research and treatment development. The list identifies which fungal infections should get the most attention from doctors, researchers, and public health officials to improve patient outcomes and reduce deaths.

Strengthening Fungal Infection Diagnosis and Treatment: An In-depth Analysis of Capabilities in Honduras

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This study examined how well healthcare facilities in Honduras can diagnose and treat serious fungal infections. Researchers surveyed laboratories and hospitals to find out what diagnostic tools and antifungal medications were available. The findings showed that while basic tests like microscopy were common, advanced techniques were rare, and many important antifungal drugs were difficult to access. The study recommends improving training, building better laboratories, and making essential medications more available.

Disseminated mucormycosis leading to a fatal gastrointestinal perforation in a pediatric case of EBV-associated Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

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A 12-month-old girl with a serious immune system disorder called HLH developed a rare and dangerous fungal infection called mucormycosis. Despite receiving the best available treatments, the fungal infection spread throughout her digestive system and caused a perforation (hole) in her intestines. The doctors found it difficult to diagnose the fungal infection early because the warning signs were subtle, and the infection progressed very rapidly. Unfortunately, the girl passed away despite emergency surgery and high-dose antifungal medications.

Data analysis of patients with positive mould or dimorphic fungal cultures from sterile sites

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This study examined 48 patients with serious mould and fungal infections at a South African hospital between 2014-2017. Most infections occurred in people with weak immune systems, especially those with HIV. The most common fungal type was Aspergillus. Even with appropriate antifungal medicines, one-quarter of patients died, highlighting how serious these infections can be.

Improving the production of micafungin precursor FR901379 in Coleophoma empetri using heavy-ion irradiation and its mechanism analysis

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Scientists successfully improved the production of a key ingredient for the antifungal drug micafungin by using heavy-ion radiation to create improved strains of a fungus called Coleophoma empetri. The best mutant strain produced over 250% more of the desired compound than the original strain. By analyzing the genetic changes in these improved strains, researchers identified specific genes related to fungal structure and metabolism that contribute to higher production, providing insights for future improvements to the manufacturing process.

Antifungal Policy and Practice Across Five Countries: A Qualitative Review

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This study examines how well five different countries handle invasive fungal infections through their healthcare policies and systems. Researchers found that while these infections affect millions of people globally, most countries lack comprehensive policies to diagnose, treat, and manage them effectively. Major issues include inadequate healthcare provider training, limited access to rapid diagnostic tests, and insufficient antifungal medications in some regions. The study recommends that countries develop better national strategies for preventing, diagnosing, and treating these serious infections.

Awareness and perception of invasive fungal diseases among the Nigerian population

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This study found that very few Nigerians (only about 19%) are aware of serious fungal infections like candidiasis and aspergillosis, and most people don’t understand how dangerous these diseases can be. The researchers surveyed over 1,200 people and discovered that people with more education and higher incomes were more likely to know about these infections. The findings suggest that Nigeria urgently needs public health campaigns and education programs to help people recognize fungal diseases early so they can get proper treatment.

Healthcare-associated fungal infections and emerging pathogens during the COVID-19 pandemic

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, fungal infections became a major health concern, especially in hospitalized patients. Treatments for COVID-19, such as steroids and immunosuppressive drugs, weakened patients’ immune systems, making them vulnerable to serious fungal infections like those caused by Candida auris. Current antifungal medications have significant side effects and many fungi are developing resistance, so scientists are urgently seeking safer and more effective antifungal treatments.

Isavuconazonium Utilization in Pediatric Patients at a Free-Standing Children’s Hospital

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Researchers at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles studied how well a newer antifungal medication called isavuconazonium works in children with cancer and blood disorders who are at high risk for serious fungal infections. The medication was recently approved for use in children ages 1 and older. The study found that the medication was generally safe and effective, though doctors need to monitor liver function and drug levels to ensure proper dosing and catch any side effects early.

Antifungal Agents in the 21st Century: Advances, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

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This review examines how doctors treat serious fungal infections and the growing problem of fungi becoming resistant to medications. The authors discuss different antifungal drugs, how they work, and why some fungi are becoming harder to treat. They emphasize that controlling fungal resistance requires coordinated efforts across hospitals, farms, and communities, especially since some agricultural pesticides are creating resistant strains that spread to sick patients.

Research Keyword: invasive fungal infections