Opportunistic infections

Emerging Infections Network Survey of Screening for Cryptococcal Antigenemia, United States, 2024

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Researchers surveyed infectious disease doctors across the United States about their use of a blood test (cryptococcal antigen screening) to detect a serious fungal infection in HIV patients before symptoms appear. Only about one-third to two-thirds of doctors regularly perform this inexpensive and accurate test, depending on the patient’s immune system status. Many doctors were unsure about the benefits and guidelines for this screening, suggesting that education and clearer guidelines could help more patients catch this dangerous infection early and receive treatment before it becomes life-threatening.

Emerging Infections Network Survey of Screening for Cryptococcal Antigenemia, United States, 2024

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This survey asked infectious disease doctors across the United States about their use of a simple blood test (cryptococcal antigen screening) for HIV patients. The test can detect a dangerous fungal infection weeks before symptoms appear, allowing for early treatment. However, the survey found that many doctors are not using this recommended test regularly, primarily because they are unsure about its benefits and are confused about screening guidelines.

Access to diagnostic testing for invasive fungal diseases and other opportunistic infections in Mexican health care centers caring for patients living with HIV

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This study examined the availability of diagnostic tests for fungal and other serious infections in Mexican HIV clinics. Researchers found that most clinics, especially smaller primary care facilities, lack modern rapid testing equipment needed to quickly diagnose dangerous infections like cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis. These infections are common in people with advanced HIV and can be life-threatening, making access to rapid diagnosis crucial for treatment and survival.

Airborne Fungal Spore Diversity Assessment Using Culture-Dependent and Metabarcoding Approaches in Bat-Inhabited Natural and Anthropogenic Roosts in Portugal

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Researchers studied fungal diversity in bat caves across Portugal using two methods: growing fungi in labs and analyzing DNA from air samples. They found over 280 different types of fungi, with some being common decomposers and others potentially harmful to human health. The study revealed that bat activity and human visits significantly influence which fungi live in caves, highlighting the importance of protecting these unique underground ecosystems.

The dimorphic fungus Talaromyces marneffei: An opportunistic killer in Southeast Asia

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Talaromyces marneffei is a dangerous fungus found in Southeast Asian soil that people inhale, causing a serious disease called talaromycosis. The fungus is particularly deadly for people with weakened immune systems like those with advanced HIV. The fungus has evolved clever tricks to hide from and manipulate the body’s immune system, allowing it to multiply inside immune cells called macrophages.

Diversity and Distribution of Fungal Infections in Rwanda: High Risk and Gaps in Knowledge, Policy, and Interventions

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This comprehensive review reveals that Rwanda faces significant challenges from fungal infections affecting humans, crops, and food security, yet has very limited systems to detect, report, or manage these infections. The study found various dangerous fungi causing infections ranging from vaginal candidiasis to serious disseminated infections, as well as crop-destroying soil fungi threatening bean production. The researchers emphasize that Rwanda urgently needs better diagnostic tools, trained healthcare workers, and coordinated public health strategies to combat the growing threat of fungal diseases.

Disseminated histoplasmosis with bone marrow infiltration in a newly diagnosed HIV patient

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A Colombian patient living in Spain developed a serious fungal infection (histoplasmosis) that spread throughout his body and affected his bone marrow, which was discovered during his HIV diagnosis. Doctors identified the infection by examining bone marrow cells under a microscope and confirmed it with fungal culture and genetic testing. The patient was treated with antifungal medication (liposomal amphotericin B) along with HIV medications and recovered well, highlighting the importance of bone marrow testing in severely immunocompromised HIV patients.

Yeast Diversity on Sandy Lake Beaches Used for Recreation in Olsztyn, Poland

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Researchers studied yeasts living in sand from four recreational lakes in Poland over two summers. They found 62 different yeast species, including 8 potentially harmful types that can cause infections in humans. The study shows beach sand contains significant microbial contamination that should be regularly monitored to protect swimmers, especially people with weakened immune systems or skin injuries.

Molecular epidemiology, diversity, and antifungal susceptibility profiles of clinical and environmental mucorales: a five-year multicenter study in Iran (2018–2023)

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This research examined dangerous mold infections (Mucormycosis) that became more common after COVID-19. Scientists identified the types of molds causing these infections in Iran by testing 116 patient samples and 65 soil samples from across the country. They tested these molds against 13 different antifungal medications to find which drugs work best. The results showed that amphotericin B and posaconazole were the most effective medications, and patient samples were more susceptible to these drugs than environmental soil samples.

Pulmonary Aspergilloma in a Non-adherent Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patient Receiving Long-Term Immunosuppression: A Report of a Rare Case

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A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease treated with long-term immune-suppressing medications, developed a serious fungal lung infection called pulmonary aspergilloma. Despite the complexity of managing multiple conditions and extensive bilateral lung involvement, the patient was successfully treated with prolonged voriconazole antifungal therapy rather than surgery, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and tailored treatment in immunocompromised patients.

Research Keyword: Opportunistic infections