Research Keyword: Polymerase chain reaction

Onychomycosis in the US Pediatric Population—An Emphasis on Fusarium Onychomycosis

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This study examined nail fungus infections in American children using advanced molecular testing. Researchers found that elementary school-aged children (ages 6-11) have the highest rates of nail fungus, usually caused by common fungi like Trichophyton rubrum. Notably, Fusarium, an environmental fungus that was once rare in nail infections, is becoming increasingly common, especially in older teenagers, which may require different treatment approaches.

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The diagnosis of mucormycosis by PCR in patients at risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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This study reviews how well a molecular test called PCR can diagnose mucormycosis, a dangerous fungal infection. Researchers analyzed 30 studies covering over 5,000 patient samples and found that PCR works very well for detecting this infection, especially when using samples from the lungs. Blood tests were also effective but slightly less sensitive. The study recommends using PCR as part of updated diagnostic guidelines to help doctors catch this serious infection earlier, potentially improving patient outcomes.

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Polymerase Chain Reaction on Respiratory Tract Specimens of Immunocompromised Patients to Diagnose Pneumocystis Pneumonia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

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This study analyzed how well PCR tests detect Pneumocystis pneumonia, a serious fungal lung infection in immunocompromised patients. The research reviewed 55 studies with over 11,000 tests and found that PCR testing of fluid from the lungs or induced sputum works very well, especially at ruling out the disease when negative. However, positive test results need careful interpretation because the test can detect the fungus even when it’s just colonizing rather than causing active infection.

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The diagnosis of mucormycosis by PCR in patients at risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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Mucormycosis is a dangerous fungal infection that kills many patients. Traditional tests like fungal culture are slow and often miss infections. This comprehensive study of 30 research papers shows that PCR testing is very effective at detecting this fungus, with different specimen types having different success rates. Blood tests were easiest to perform and worked well for screening high-risk patients, while fluid from the lungs was the most accurate.

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Superficial Fungal Infections in Children—What Do We Know?

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Fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails are increasingly common in children worldwide, especially in warm, humid climates and in crowded living conditions. These infections are caused by germs that live on the skin and can spread through contact with infected people or animals. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their developing immune systems, but most infections are treatable with topical creams or oral medications, with terbinafine being the most effective option currently available.

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Increasing postgraduate medical mycology research dissertations at Uganda’s higher institution of learning

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A study from Makerere University in Uganda found that funding has significantly boosted research on fungal diseases among graduate students. The number of students focusing on medical mycology jumped from 16% to 40% between 2023 and 2024, with more advanced laboratory techniques being used. The research focused on serious fungal infections like cryptococcal meningitis, which particularly affects people with HIV/AIDS. The university’s creation of a collaborative research group helped students work together and complete their projects on time.

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