Research Keyword: invasive fungal infections

Efficacy and safety of isavuconazole for invasive fungal infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

This study reviewed clinical trials comparing a newer antifungal drug called isavuconazole with other commonly used antifungal medications for treating serious fungal infections, particularly in patients with weakened immune systems. The research found that isavuconazole works just as well as other antifungal drugs but may have fewer side effects, especially liver problems. When compared directly with voriconazole, isavuconazole showed fewer drug-related side effects overall, making it a good alternative option for patients who cannot tolerate other antifungal treatments.

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Fungi under fire: diagnostic capacities and antifungal availability in Peruvian healthcare facilities

This study examined how well Peruvian hospitals can diagnose and treat serious fungal infections across the country. Researchers surveyed 54 healthcare centers and found that while basic fungal tests are available everywhere, advanced diagnostic tools and certain antifungal medications are mostly limited to the capital city of Lima. The research identifies major gaps in care that need to be addressed to help more patients survive these serious infections.

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Staurosporine as an Antifungal Agent

Staurosporine is a natural compound produced by soil bacteria that can kill fungi. Scientists originally discovered it in 1977 and found it works by blocking proteins called kinases that fungi need to survive. Recent research shows it could be useful against drug-resistant fungal infections, especially when combined with other antifungal medicines. However, it needs to be modified to make it safer for human use.

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Quality improvement project to reduce beta-D-glucan turnaround times in an NHS pathology network

Hospitals were taking too long to get results for a fungal blood test (beta-D-glucan) that helps doctors decide whether patients with serious infections need antifungal medicines. A UK hospital pathology network improved this by bringing the test in-house instead of sending samples to a distant reference laboratory. After implementing the new system, they cut the average wait time from over 11 days to just 2.5 days while also saving money, allowing doctors to make faster treatment decisions for critically ill patients.

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Increasing postgraduate medical mycology research dissertations at Uganda’s higher institution of learning

A study from Makerere University in Uganda found that funding has significantly boosted research on fungal diseases among graduate students. The number of students focusing on medical mycology jumped from 16% to 40% between 2023 and 2024, with more advanced laboratory techniques being used. The research focused on serious fungal infections like cryptococcal meningitis, which particularly affects people with HIV/AIDS. The university’s creation of a collaborative research group helped students work together and complete their projects on time.

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Fungal β-Glucans: Biological Properties, Immunomodulatory Effects, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications

β-glucans are natural substances found in yeast and fungi that help boost the immune system and fight cancer. They can be measured in blood to diagnose serious fungal infections and may help prevent common illnesses like colds and respiratory infections. Recent research suggests they could be useful additions to vaccines and may help patients recovering from COVID-19.

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Incidence And Risk Factors for Invasive Fungal Infections in Pre-Transplant and Transplant-Ineligible Multiple Myeloma in the U.S.: A Claims Analysis (2017-2021)

This study examined fungal infections in patients with multiple myeloma who were not eligible for or preparing for stem cell transplants. Researchers found that 6% of these patients developed invasive fungal infections, with yeast infections being the most common type. The risk of these infections was significantly higher in patients taking dexamethasone (a steroid) or those with low white blood cell counts and those receiving multiple cancer therapies.

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Time- and temperature-dependent Pentraxin 3 stability in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples

This study investigated how stable Pentraxin 3 (Ptx3), a protein used to detect fungal infections, remains when stored at different temperatures. Researchers found that Ptx3 stays reliable for up to 8 months in freezer storage at −20°C and even longer at −80°C, making it a dependable biomarker for diagnosing serious fungal infections. However, storing samples at room temperature (37°C) causes the protein to break down quickly, so proper cold storage is essential for accurate test results.

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Efficacy and safety of isavuconazole for invasive fungal infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Isavuconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat serious fungal infections in people with weakened immune systems. This study reviewed and analyzed three clinical trials to compare how well isavuconazole works compared to other antifungal drugs. The results showed that isavuconazole is just as effective as other antifungals but has fewer side effects, particularly fewer problems with liver health and drug-related adverse events. This makes isavuconazole a good alternative choice for patients who cannot use other antifungal medications or who are at risk of liver damage.

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Efficacy and safety of isavuconazole for invasive fungal infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Isavuconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat serious fungal infections that can occur in people with weakened immune systems. This research review looked at three clinical trials comparing isavuconazole to other antifungal drugs and found it works just as well while being easier on the liver. Notably, isavuconazole caused fewer drug-related side effects and liver problems compared to voriconazole, another common antifungal drug.

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