resistance mechanisms

Infection of Norway spruce by Chrysomyxa rhododendri: ultrastructural insights into plant–pathogen interactions reveal differences between resistant and susceptible trees

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Researchers studied how a rust fungus infects Norway spruce trees at the microscopic level, comparing healthy, resistant trees with ones that get severely infected. In resistant trees, the plant quickly builds protective barriers and accumulates compounds called tannins that slow down the fungus. Understanding these natural defenses could help foresters choose and grow spruce trees that better resist this devastating disease in high-altitude forests.

Overexpression of efflux pump and biofilm associated genes in itraconazole resistant Candida albicans isolates causing onychomycosis

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Nail fungal infections caused by Candida albicans can be difficult to treat when the fungus becomes resistant to common antifungal medications like itraconazole. Researchers found that resistant strains have overactive genes that pump the drug out of fungal cells and genes that help the fungus form protective biofilm structures. Understanding these resistance mechanisms could lead to better combination treatments that block these protective strategies.

In Vitro Activity of Nitroxoline (5-Nitro-8-Hydroxyquinoline) Against Aspergillus Species

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Researchers tested an old antibiotic called nitroxoline against dangerous fungal infections caused by Aspergillus species. The drug works by removing important minerals like zinc that these fungi need to survive. Testing showed nitroxoline was very effective against these fungi, even against strains that had developed resistance to modern antifungal drugs. This suggests nitroxoline could potentially be repurposed as a new treatment option for serious fungal infections.

Clinical aspects and recent advances in fungal diseases impacting human health

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Fungal infections affect over a billion people worldwide and are becoming harder to treat due to growing resistance to antifungal medications. The review discusses major challenges in detecting and treating these infections, including difficulty in diagnosis and limited awareness among healthcare providers. New antifungal drugs are being developed and approved to address these challenges, but a comprehensive approach involving better awareness, improved testing, and responsible medication use is needed.

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.

Clinical aspects and recent advances in fungal diseases impacting human health

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Fungal infections are becoming a major health threat, affecting over a billion people worldwide. The main problems are difficulty diagnosing these infections, increasing resistance to current medications, and limited treatment options. Doctors and the public need better awareness, and new antifungal drugs with different approaches are needed to effectively treat resistant infections.

China’s innovative national plan to combat fungal diseases and antifungal resistance

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China has created a comprehensive national system to fight fungal infections and drug resistance. The system monitors fungal diseases across hundreds of hospitals throughout the country to track which infections are most common and which antifungal medicines are becoming less effective. Early findings show that many hospitals lack proper facilities for testing fungal infections, and some fungi are developing resistance to commonly used antifungal drugs, particularly fluconazole.

Azole fungicides and Aspergillus resistance, five EU agency report highlights the problem for the first time using a One Health approach

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A major European health agency report warns that widely-used fungicides sprayed on crops to prevent plant diseases may be creating resistant fungi that can infect humans and make medical treatments ineffective. The study found that about 10,000 tonnes of these azole fungicides are used in Europe annually, and their residues accumulate in the environment where they can cause harmful fungi to become resistant to the same medicines doctors use to treat patients. The report calls for urgent action to better monitor this problem and prevent resistance through smarter use and regulation of agricultural fungicides.

Azole Resistance in Aspergillus Species Isolated from Clinical Samples: A Nine-Year Single-Center Study in Turkey (2015–2023)

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This study examined azole antifungal resistance in fungal infections from a Turkish hospital over nine years. Researchers tested 200 Aspergillus fungal isolates and found that 7% showed resistance to azole medications, with 11% of Aspergillus fumigatus showing resistance. The findings highlight the ongoing challenge of drug-resistant fungal infections and the importance of monitoring resistance patterns to improve treatment decisions for serious fungal infections.

Drug repurposing to fight resistant fungal species: Recent developments as novel therapeutic strategies

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This editorial highlights the growing problem of fungal infections that resist current treatments, causing millions of deaths worldwide each year. Researchers are finding new ways to fight these resistant infections by repurposing existing drugs in new combinations and discovering novel compounds from natural sources. The collection of studies presented shows promising results using combinations like minocycline with antifungal drugs, natural compounds like baicalin, and AI technology to predict resistance patterns. These innovative approaches offer hope for better treatment options for patients suffering from serious fungal infections.

Research Keyword: resistance mechanisms