PCR – mycolab.ai

High‐Throughput Culture and DNA Isolation Methods for Aspergillus fumigatus

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Scientists have developed a faster, cheaper way to grow and extract DNA from Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungus that causes serious infections in sick people. Using 96-well plates (the same format used in many laboratories), researchers can now process many samples at once instead of handling them one by one. The method works well for identifying drug-resistant fungal strains and preparing DNA for genetic analysis.

Diagnostic Approaches to Invasive Candidiasis: Challenges and New Perspectives

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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.

An Optimized In-House Protocol for Cryptococcus neoformans DNA Extraction from Whole Blood: Comparison of Lysis Buffer and Ox-Bile Methods

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Researchers developed a simple, low-cost method to extract DNA from Cryptococcus neoformans fungal cells found in blood samples. The new method uses a homemade salt buffer solution instead of expensive commercial kits, making it accessible to laboratories in developing countries. Testing showed this method works better than an alternative ox-bile method, detecting very small numbers of fungal cells. This breakthrough could help doctors more quickly diagnose a serious fungal infection called cryptococcal meningitis in resource-limited settings.

Molecular evidence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in arid urban landscapes of shiraz cockroaches (Blattodea), Southwest Iran: Implications for urban public health surveillance

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Researchers in Shiraz, Iran found that cockroaches can carry Enterocytozoon bieneusi, a dangerous fungal parasite that causes severe diarrhea in people with weak immune systems. The study collected and tested 378 cockroaches from hospitals and public areas, discovering three positive cases. While the arid climate of Shiraz appears to limit how well these pathogens survive compared to tropical regions, the presence of parasites in hospital cockroaches poses real health risks, especially for vulnerable patients. Better pest control and sanitation in hospitals are essential to prevent spread.

Fungal keratitis complicating the diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis

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A 42-year-old farmer presented with a severe eye infection that was initially misdiagnosed as a viral infection caused by herpes simplex virus. When antiviral treatment failed, doctors discovered the patient had a fungal infection caused by Fusarium. However, advanced testing revealed she actually had a dual infection with both the fungus and a microscopic parasite called Acanthamoeba. The patient required corneal transplant surgery and combination therapy with multiple medications to control the infection and preserve vision.

Changing Climate, Changing Candida: Environmental and Social Pressures on Invasive Candidiasis and Antifungal Resistance in Latin America

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Invasive fungal infections caused by Candida yeasts are becoming more serious in Latin America, with drug-resistant strains spreading rapidly in hospitals. The problem is worsened by climate change and overuse of antifungal medicines in agriculture, which help resistant fungi survive and spread. Many hospitals in the region lack modern diagnostic tools to quickly identify the specific type of infection, delaying treatment. The authors recommend a comprehensive approach combining better environmental monitoring, smarter use of antifungal drugs, improved diagnostic access, and coordinated public health efforts across the region.

Inhibitive effect of Urginea epigea methanolic extract and silver/zinc oxide nanoparticles on Aspergillus and aflatoxin production

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Scientists tested a plant called Urginea epigea and special tiny particles made of silver and zinc to stop a dangerous fungus called Aspergillus flavus from growing and producing aflatoxins, which are harmful poisons found in food. When used at the right concentration, the plant extract completely stopped the fungus from growing. The treatment worked by turning off the fungus’s ability to make the poison by reducing the activity of specific genes. This natural approach could offer a safer alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting our food supply.

Clinical and Molecular Characterization of Feline Sporotrichosis in the Brazilian Amazon: PCR-Based Identification of Sporothrix brasiliensis

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This research studied a fungal disease called sporotrichosis that affects cats in the Brazilian Amazon and can spread to humans. Most infected cats were young males that roamed freely outdoors and had skin lesions on their faces and paws. Researchers tested different laboratory methods to identify the fungus and found that a specific technique extracted DNA best. They confirmed that Sporothrix brasiliensis was the cause and tested how well common antifungal medications work against it, finding that some drugs work better than others.

Fungi under fire: diagnostic capacities and antifungal availability in Peruvian healthcare facilities

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This study examined how well Peruvian hospitals can diagnose and treat serious fungal infections across the country. Researchers surveyed 54 healthcare centers and found that while basic fungal tests are available everywhere, advanced diagnostic tools and certain antifungal medications are mostly limited to the capital city of Lima. The research identifies major gaps in care that need to be addressed to help more patients survive these serious infections.

Presence of white-nose syndrome in bats from Southern Mexico

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Researchers found evidence that white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease affecting bats, has reached southern Mexico. The fungus was detected in bat samples from a cave in Oaxaca, confirming earlier predictions about its spread from North America. The fungus can survive at temperatures ranging from cold to tropical heat, making it a significant threat to bat populations across diverse habitats in Mexico and beyond.

Research Keyword: PCR