MIC determination – mycolab.ai

Candida auris: Outbreak, surveillance and epidemiological monitoring in Northern Greece

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A dangerous fungus called Candida auris caused an outbreak in hospitals in Northern Greece starting in October 2022. This fungus is particularly concerning because it is resistant to many commonly used antifungal drugs, especially fluconazole. Researchers monitored and tracked the outbreak across multiple hospitals, finding that all cases belonged to the same genetic type (Clade I) and were treatable with certain alternative antifungal medications. The study emphasizes the importance of careful laboratory surveillance and coordinated infection control measures to prevent further spread of this serious infection.

Invasive Trichoderma longibrachiatum breakthrough infection in a hematology patient

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A 61-year-old woman with blood cancer developed a severe and unusual double fungal infection caused by two mold species while being treated for a known fungal infection. Despite receiving multiple antifungal medications, her condition worsened and she ultimately died from multiple organ failure. The case is important because it demonstrates how Trichoderma fungi are becoming dangerous pathogens in very sick, immunocompromised patients, and a new drug called olorofim showed promising activity against this infection in laboratory tests.

Identification and antifungal susceptibility patterns of reference yeast strains to novel and conventional agents: a comparative study using CLSI, EUCAST and Sensititre YeastOne methods

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Researchers compared three different laboratory methods for testing how well antifungal drugs work against common yeast infections. They tested 22 different yeast strains including Candida species using CLSI, EUCAST, and Sensititre YeastOne methods. The methods showed strong agreement overall, but some newer antifungal drugs like ibrexafungerp showed more variation between methods. The findings suggest these methods are reliable for guiding treatment decisions, but further standardization is needed for newer drugs.

Antifungal Potential of Streptomyces-Derived Metabolites Against Fluconazole-Resistant Oral Candida albicans: In vitro Evaluation and Mechanistic Insights

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Researchers studied a type of soil bacteria called Streptomyces that produces natural compounds with strong antifungal properties. These compounds effectively killed drug-resistant Candida fungal infections that commonly affect cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. The bacterial extract worked by damaging fungal cell membranes and blocking biofilm formation, which are protective structures the fungus uses to survive. While the results are promising for treating stubborn fungal infections, more research is needed to ensure safety for human patients.

Emergence of resistant dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton indotineae: First case series in Thailand

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Researchers in Thailand have identified the first cases of a new resistant fungal skin infection caused by Trichophyton indotineae. This fungus is resistant to a commonly used antifungal drug called terbinafine and causes persistent skin rashes on various body parts. The study describes five patients whose infections were finally identified through genetic testing and who responded well to alternative antifungal treatment with itraconazole. This discovery suggests the fungus is now spreading in Thailand and doctors should watch for it.

Multidirectional Characterization of Phytochemical Profile and Health-Promoting Effects of Ziziphora bungeana Juz. Extracts

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Ziziphora bungeana, a traditional medicinal plant from Kazakhstan, was studied for its health benefits. Scientists found it contains powerful plant compounds that fight bacteria and fungal infections, especially those causing skin problems. The extracts work similarly to commercial skin-lightening agents and show promise for treating infections and skin conditions without significant harm to healthy cells.

Dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton benhamiae in a sea lion. First report

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A 13-year-old sea lion in a marine park developed ringworm-like skin lesions caused by a fungus called Trichophyton benhamiae, marking the first time this fungus has been identified in this species. Scientists identified the fungus using DNA testing and found it was resistant to common antifungal drugs, so they treated it with a combination of oral medication (terbinafine), topical ozonized oil, and a liver-protecting supplement. After three months of treatment, the sea lion’s skin healed completely.

Antifungal activity and mechanism of novel peptide Glycine max antimicrobial peptide (GmAMP) against fluconazole-resistant Candida tropicalis

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Scientists developed a new antimicrobial peptide called GmAMP that can effectively kill drug-resistant fungal infections caused by Candida tropicalis, a pathogen resistant to common antifungal medications. The peptide works by damaging the fungal cell membrane and is safe for human use. In laboratory tests using insect larvae, the peptide successfully treated infections and reduced the fungal burden, suggesting it could become a new treatment option for patients with resistant fungal infections.

A case report of childhood onychomycosis caused by the rare yeast Kodamaea ohmeri

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A 5-year-old girl in Vietnam developed a nail infection caused by a rare yeast called Kodamaea ohmeri, which typically affects adults with diabetes or weak immune systems. The infection, appearing as white discoloration on the nails, was successfully treated with a topical antifungal cream applied three times daily for one month. This is the first reported case of this rare yeast causing nail infection in a child in Vietnam, and it demonstrates that topical treatment can be effective for fungal nail infections in children whose nails are thinner than adults.

Endocarditis caused by Scopulariopsis brevicaulis with disseminated emboli and multiple vascular aneurysms: A case report and literature review

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A 61-year-old man with a prosthetic aortic valve developed a rare fungal infection caused by Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, a mold usually associated with nail infections. The infection spread throughout his body, causing multiple strokes and aneurysms that required emergency surgery and treatment with various antifungal medications. This case highlights the serious complications that can occur when this typically harmless fungus invades the heart and demonstrates the challenges doctors face in treating such rare infections, as the fungus was resistant to many common antifungal drugs.

Research Keyword: MIC determination