opportunistic pathogen

Sarocladium implicatum: an unusual agent of opportunistic infection in a COVID-19 patient

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A patient hospitalized with severe COVID-19 developed an unusual infection caused by a mold called Sarocladium implicatum, which typically affects plants. Due to weakened immune system from his illness and medications, the fungus spread to his bloodstream and lungs, causing persistent fever and a cavity in his lung. After molecular testing identified the fungus, he was treated with an antifungal medication called voriconazole, which successfully cured the infection.

Rasamsonia argillacea brain abscess in a lung transplant recipient: an unexpected infection by an unusual fungal pathogen

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A 65-year-old woman who received a lung transplant developed a serious brain infection caused by a rare fungus called Rasamsonia argillacea. Doctors initially struggled to identify this unusual fungus and treated her with multiple antifungal medications, but the infection proved difficult to control because the fungus was resistant to common antifungal drugs. Investigations revealed that the patient had an undiagnosed immune system disorder called chronic granulomatous disease, which made her vulnerable to this rare infection. Despite aggressive treatment including surgery and powerful antifungal medications, the patient’s condition worsened and she eventually passed away.

Peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis caused by Fusarium: a case report and literature review

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A 61-year-old farmer with kidney disease on peritoneal dialysis developed a rare fungal infection caused by Fusarium, a fungus found in soil and water. After initial antibiotics failed, doctors identified the fungus and switched to an antifungal medication called voriconazole. By carefully monitoring drug levels in the patient’s blood and adjusting doses, pharmacists helped achieve a successful recovery with complete resolution of symptoms.

Population structure in a fungal human pathogen is potentially linked to pathogenicity

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A. flavus is a common fungal pathogen that causes serious infections in humans and damages crops. Researchers analyzed DNA from hundreds of fungal samples collected from both infected patients and environmental sources. They found that clinical isolates cluster into specific genetic groups, especially a newly identified group called population D that contains most of the disease-causing strains. This suggests that certain genetic variations make some fungal strains more likely to infect humans than others.

The association of Yarrowia lipolytica with onychomycosis

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A 20-year-old woman had a persistent toenail infection that did not respond to multiple antifungal treatments. Researchers identified the cause as Yarrowia lipolytica, an unusual yeast that had never been found causing nail infections before. The yeast was resistant to several common antifungal medications, explaining why previous treatments failed. This case shows the importance of identifying the exact fungus causing an infection to develop effective treatment strategies.

The association of Yarrowia lipolytica with onychomycosis

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A 20-year-old woman suffered from a persistent toenail infection that didn’t respond to several standard antifungal treatments over five years. Researchers identified the culprit as Yarrowia lipolytica, a rare yeast not previously known to cause nail infections. Testing showed this yeast was resistant to common antifungal medications the patient had received, explaining why previous treatments failed. This unusual case highlights the importance of properly identifying fungal pathogens and testing them for drug resistance before starting treatment.

Morphological and Phylogenetic Characterization of Trichomerium koreanum sp. nov. and Exophiala radicis Belonging to Chaetothyriales Fungi in Korea

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Scientists discovered a new type of black yeast fungus in Korea called Trichomerium koreanum, found on a longhorn beetle. They also identified another fungus called Exophiala radicis in Korean soil for the first time. These fungi are related to species that can sometimes cause infections in humans and animals. The researchers used genetic testing and microscopy to confirm these findings and understand how these fungi are related to other similar species.

Three new species of Talaromyces sect. Talaromyces discovered in China

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Scientists discovered three previously unknown species of Talaromyces fungi in soil samples from China. These fungi were identified by examining their physical appearance under microscopes and analyzing their genetic material. Each new species has unique characteristics and belongs to different groups within the Talaromyces genus. These discoveries add to our understanding of fungal diversity and highlight the importance of studying these organisms that can be valuable for producing enzymes and medicines.

Photo Quiz: Unexpected yeast in a premature infant—pathogen or passenger

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A newborn baby born very prematurely developed a yeast organism called Malassezia pachydermatis in a sputum sample, which was identified in the hospital laboratory. Researchers investigated whether this yeast was causing a serious infection or was just a harmless colonizer. Follow-up testing showed no infection, and the baby improved without antifungal treatment, suggesting it was contamination rather than true disease. However, this finding is important because this yeast has been known to cause serious infections in premature babies in hospital settings.

Research Keyword: opportunistic pathogen