Research Keyword: molecular diagnostics

Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Verticillium dahliae from Soil Using LAMP-CRISPR/Cas12a Technology

Scientists developed a new rapid test to detect a dangerous fungal disease that affects cotton crops. The test combines two advanced molecular techniques (LAMP and CRISPR) to quickly identify the disease-causing fungus in soil samples. The system works in laboratories but can also be used in fields by farmers, taking less than 2 hours to produce results. This breakthrough will help farmers catch and manage the disease early, protecting their crops and improving yields.

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On site discrimination between two closely related commercial strains of oyster mushroom using a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) test

Scientists developed a quick molecular test to identify two specific commercial oyster mushroom strains (SPOPPO and ALLERPO) in less than 30 minutes using a technique called LAMP. These sporeless mushroom strains were created to reduce respiratory health problems that workers develop from inhaling mushroom spores. The new test helps mushroom producers and breeders quickly verify strain identity in the field to prevent unauthorized copying of these valuable varieties and to catch products of suspect origin.

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Development of reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification-based assay for rapid and specific detection of human fungal pathogen, Candida auris

Researchers developed a new rapid test called RT-LAMP to detect Candida auris, a dangerous multidrug-resistant fungus that causes hospital infections. The test works by changing color from pink to yellow when the fungus is present, making it easy to read without special equipment. It is more sensitive and specific than current methods, can be done quickly at a single temperature, and costs much less than existing tests, making it ideal for hospitals and clinics with limited resources.

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Humans vs. Fungi: An Overview of Fungal Pathogens against Humans

Fungal infections are serious health threats that kill approximately 1.5 million people annually worldwide. This comprehensive review identifies over 280 different fungal species that can infect humans, with Aspergillus being the most dangerous genus. The study provides updated information on how these infections are diagnosed through various methods including cultures, microscopy, and molecular testing, as well as treatment options ranging from traditional antifungal drugs to newer therapies like nanotechnology-based formulations.

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Advances in Fungal Infection Research: From Novel Diagnostics to Innovative Therapeutics

Fungal infections are becoming increasingly serious, especially for people with weakened immune systems, and some fungi are developing resistance to current medications. Researchers are developing faster diagnostic tests using molecular techniques and exploring new treatment approaches including repurposing existing drugs and developing vaccines. Monitoring and prevention programs in hospitals are essential to control the spread of these infections and improve patient outcomes.

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Candida vulturna, the Next Fungal Menace? A Narrative Review

Candida vulturna is a newly discovered yeast that causes serious blood infections, particularly in vulnerable patients like premature infants and those with cancer. Though still rare, cases are increasingly appearing in tropical regions with documented hospital outbreaks. While the infection has a better survival rate than related species, it resists several common antifungal drugs, making treatment challenging and requiring careful use of remaining effective medications.

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Refractory fungal infection: Three case reports highlighting good practice

This case series examines three patients with serious fungal infections that did not respond well to standard antifungal treatments. The cases demonstrate how fungi can develop resistance to common antifungal drugs like azoles, making infections harder to treat. The authors emphasize that accurate identification of the fungus, testing its sensitivity to drugs, monitoring drug levels in the blood, and careful use of antifungal medications are essential for successfully treating these difficult infections.

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Optimized Protocol for RNA Isolation from Penicillium spp. and Aspergillus fumigatus Strains

Researchers developed an improved method for extracting RNA from common mold species like Penicillium and Aspergillus fumigatus. The new protocol uses physical shaking with beads and chemical extraction to break open fungal cells and isolate high-quality RNA. This method produces significantly more usable RNA than previous approaches and can be easily applied in laboratories working with many fungal samples.

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Clinical aspects and recent advances in fungal diseases impacting human health

Fungal infections are increasingly common health threats affecting over a billion people worldwide, ranging from minor allergies to serious life-threatening infections. The biggest problems are that fungi are becoming resistant to current medications, diagnosis can be difficult and slow, and treatment options are limited. Recent developments include new antifungal drugs like ibrexafungerp and rezafungin that work differently from older medications, offering hope for treating resistant infections. Better awareness among doctors and patients, faster diagnostic methods, and responsible use of antifungals are essential to combat this growing public health challenge.

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Diagnostic Approaches to Invasive Candidiasis: Challenges and New Perspectives

Invasive candidiasis is a serious fungal infection affecting critically ill patients in hospitals. Current testing methods like blood cultures are slow and sometimes miss the infection. Researchers are developing faster diagnostic tests using DNA detection and biomarkers that can identify infections within hours instead of days, allowing doctors to start treatment sooner and save more lives.

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