mycology – Page 8 – mycolab.ai

Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis in diabetic ketoacidosis: A classic clinical presentation still unknown in Senegal

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A young woman in Senegal with uncontrolled diabetes developed a serious fungal infection affecting her eye and brain caused by Rhizopus oryzae. Despite showing classic warning signs like swelling and tissue death, the infection was not diagnosed quickly enough, and the necessary antifungal medication (amphotericin B) was not available, resulting in her death within three days. This case highlights how invasive fungal infections are underrecognized and undertreated in Africa due to limited laboratory capacity and drug availability.

A Novel Phaeoacremonium Species Isolated from Galls on the Chinese Magnolia-Vine (Schisandra chinensis) in Korea

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Researchers in Korea discovered a new fungal species living inside galls (abnormal growths) on Chinese magnolia-vine plants. The fungus, named Phaeoacremonium schisandrae, was found inside larvae of gall-midges using genetic testing and microscopy. This discovery brings the total number of known Phaeoacremonium species to 73 and marks the first time this fungus has been found associated with gall-midge insects, expanding our understanding of fungal diversity in Korea.

Neonatal Invasive Candidiasis: Current Concepts

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Serious fungal infections (candidiasis) in newborns have become increasingly difficult to treat, especially in developing countries. The types of fungi causing these infections have changed dramatically, with many now resisting the standard fluconazole treatment. Modern medical care, like proper handwashing, environmental cleaning, and careful line care, is actually more effective at preventing these infections than giving preventive antifungal drugs. Healthcare providers need better tools for quickly identifying which fungal species is causing infection and which drugs will work against it.

Utility of MALDI-ToF MS for Recognition and Antifungal Susceptibility of Nannizzia, an Underestimated Group of Dermatophytes

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Nannizzia species are soil-dwelling fungi that increasingly cause stubborn skin, nail, and hair infections in humans and animals. This study tested two laboratory methods for identifying these fungi and measured their sensitivity to eight antifungal drugs. The faster liquid-based method was slightly more accurate (67%) than the traditional culture method (62%), though neither method could identify six very rare species. Terbinafine emerged as the most effective antifungal treatment in laboratory tests.

New approaches to tackle a rising problem: Large-scale methods to study antifungal resistance

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Fungal infections are becoming increasingly resistant to antifungal drugs, creating a serious public health challenge. Scientists are using advanced genetic sequencing and laboratory techniques to understand how fungi develop drug resistance and identify the specific genetic changes responsible. By cataloging resistance mutations and creating shared databases, researchers aim to develop better diagnostic tests and treatment strategies to combat these dangerous infections.

Pan-Indian Clinical Registry of Invasive Fungal Infections Among Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: Protocol for a Multicentric Prospective Study

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Fungal infections are a serious hidden threat in hospital intensive care units, particularly for patients with weakened immune systems. This study establishes India’s first comprehensive database system to track fungal infections across 8 major medical centers nationwide. By collecting detailed information about these infections and how they respond to treatments, the research aims to help doctors diagnose and treat fungal infections faster and more effectively. The findings will guide better clinical practices and public health policies to combat these often-neglected but deadly infections.

Advancing Patient Advocacy in Mycology: Cultivating Collaboration in Education, Research, and Policy

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Fungal infections are a serious public health problem, but unlike cancer and AIDS, they lack strong patient advocacy movements to raise awareness and secure funding. This paper argues that patients with fungal diseases have important insights about their care needs that could help improve policies and research if their voices were heard. The authors propose establishing unified advocacy organizations, like the MyCARE Foundation, to bring patients, doctors, and policymakers together to better address this neglected health challenge.

Five-Year Retrospective Analysis of Superficial Fungal Infections: Insights from Hospital Experience

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This study examined fungal skin infections in over 3,900 patients at a Serbian military hospital over five years. Researchers found that common fungi like Trichophyton mentagrophytes and T. rubrum caused most infections, with patterns varying by season, patient gender, and body location. Men were more likely to have foot infections while women showed more diverse fungal types. The findings suggest doctors should use more precise identification methods like MALDI-TOF testing to prescribe better treatments and help prevent recurring infections.

Clinical, Laboratory, and Biomarker Predictors of 90-Day Mortality in Non-HIV, Non-Transplant Pneumocystis Pneumonia

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This study examined pneumocystis pneumonia in immunocompromised patients who do not have HIV or transplants. Researchers found that older patients with other health conditions were at higher risk of death within 90 days. High levels of fungal markers and low immune cell counts were better predictors of poor outcomes than traditional inflammation markers, suggesting doctors should focus on early identification and personalized treatment approaches.

Myco-Ed: Mycological curriculum for education and discovery

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Myco-Ed is an educational program that teaches students about fungi while helping scientists discover new fungal species. Students collect fungi from their environment, learn laboratory and computing skills, and send samples to be sequenced to create reference genomes. This program both trains the next generation of fungal experts and expands our understanding of fungal diversity, which is important for medicine, agriculture, and the environment.

Research Keyword: mycology