MALDI-TOF MS – Page 2

A case of flexor tenosynovitis caused by Cyberlindnera rhodanensis – First reported human infection

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A patient developed a fungal wrist infection caused by a yeast never before seen in humans, called Cyberlindnera rhodanensis. The infection required six surgeries and five months of antifungal medications to treat. This case shows that new fungal pathogens can cause serious infections even in healthy people, and highlights the importance of proper identification of organisms in medical cultures.

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.

Identification of Filamentous Fungi: An Evaluation of Three MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry Systems

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This study compared three laboratory machines that identify fungi using a technique called MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Researchers tested 77 different fungal samples on each machine to see which one worked best. All three machines were useful for routine lab work, but they each worked best at different time points after the fungi started growing. The study shows that labs should be aware of when to test their samples for the most accurate results.

Basidiobolomycosis caused by a rare species – Basidiobolus meristosporus

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A five-year-old girl developed large swollen lumps on her buttock and thigh that were initially thought to be tuberculosis or cancer. Doctors took a tissue sample and found it was caused by a rare fungus called Basidiobolus meristosporus. Using advanced DNA sequencing techniques, they identified the exact fungus species and treated her successfully with an antifungal medication called itraconazole, leading to complete healing within six weeks.

A Pragmatic Strategy for Improving Diagnosis of Invasive Candidiasis in UK and Ireland ICUs

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Diagnosing invasive candidiasis (a serious fungal infection in ICU patients) is challenging because current blood culture tests are slow and insensitive. This paper presents a practical five-step diagnostic guide for UK and Ireland hospitals that combines risk assessment, biomarker tests, and rapid identification methods to diagnose the infection faster and more accurately. Using this strategy helps doctors avoid unnecessary antifungal drugs while ensuring seriously ill patients receive appropriate treatment quickly, ultimately improving survival rates.

Schizophyllum radiatum: An uncommon culprit of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis in an immunocompetent patient – A case report from India

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A 32-year-old healthy woman in India developed a serious fungal infection in her sinuses caused by an unusually rare fungus called Schizophyllum radiatum. Doctors removed the infected material through surgery and identified the fungus using genetic sequencing when standard methods failed. Treatment with antifungal medication successfully cleared the infection, and the patient fully recovered.

Prevalence of Candida and Other Yeasts in Vulvovaginal Infections during Pregnancy: A 10-Year Serbian Survey

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This study examined yeast infections in pregnant Serbian women over 10 years, finding that nearly half had vulvovaginal yeast infections. While Candida albicans remained the most common cause, other yeast species are increasingly found and can be harder to treat. The research emphasizes the importance of accurate laboratory identification of yeast species to guide proper antifungal treatment and prevent serious complications for both mother and newborn.

Treatment and diagnostic challenges associated with the novel and rapidly emerging antifungal-resistant dermatophyte, Trichophyton indotineae

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A new type of fungal infection called Trichophyton indotineae has emerged and spread globally, particularly from India. It causes widespread skin infections that are difficult to treat because the fungus resists common antifungal medications. Doctors and laboratories need to be aware of this infection to properly identify it and choose effective treatments, especially for patients with travel history to affected regions.

Schizophyllum commune infection following chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in a patient with lymphoma

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A 71-year-old woman receiving CAR T-cell therapy for lymphoma developed a rare fungal lung infection caused by Schizophyllum commune six months after treatment. The infection presented similarly to other fungal diseases affecting the lungs and was diagnosed through bronchoscopy and fungal culture despite negative blood antibody tests. Standard antifungal medication (voriconazole) taken by mouth for four months completely resolved the infection, highlighting the need to consider rare fungi in patients receiving advanced cancer immunotherapies.

Candidemia due to Candida lambica in a neutropenic oncology patient: A rare case report

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A 56-year-old cancer patient developed a serious bloodstream infection caused by a rare yeast called Candida lambica despite taking antifungal medications. Doctors identified the infection using genetic sequencing and found that the organism was sensitive to a different antifungal drug called voriconazole. After switching medications and removing the patient’s central line, the infection cleared up. This case demonstrates the importance of accurately identifying fungal infections and testing which medications work best against them.

Research Keyword: MALDI-TOF MS