antifungal activity – Page 21

Localization of Secondary Metabolites in Relict Gymnosperms of the Genus Sequoia In Vivo and in Cell Cultures In Vitro, and the Biological Activity of Their Extracts

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Researchers studied an ancient giant redwood tree species to extract valuable medicinal compounds. They successfully grew Sequoia cells in laboratory culture that produced powerful cancer-fighting and antifungal substances. These extracts showed promise against cervical cancer and brain tumor cells while being safe to normal cells, offering a sustainable way to harvest these compounds without damaging wild redwood populations.

Photo Quiz: Asteroid bodies in a skin biopsy of a farmer

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A farmer developed nodular skin lesions two weeks after a wrist injury during farming activities, which turned out to be sporotrichosis, a fungal infection caused by Sporothrix globosa. Skin biopsy revealed characteristic structures called asteroid bodies that helped suggest the diagnosis. The infection was confirmed through fungal culture and DNA testing, and was successfully treated with potassium iodide over six months.

Cinchona-based liquid formulation exhibits antifungal activity through Tryptophan starvation and disruption of mitochondrial respiration in Rhizoctonia Solani

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Scientists discovered that a liquid extract from Cinchona bark, which contains quinine, can effectively kill a fungus that damages rice crops. The treatment works by blocking the fungus’s ability to absorb tryptophan (an important amino acid) and damaging its energy-producing mitochondria. When tryptophan was added back to the treatment, the fungus recovered, confirming this is the main way the extract works. This natural, plant-based approach could provide an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides while reducing the risk of the fungus developing resistance.

Ascosphaera apis as a target for the antifungal activity of symbiotic Bifidobacteria in honey bees

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Researchers found that certain beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacterium asteroides) living in honey bee guts can fight the fungus that causes chalkbrood disease, a serious condition affecting bee colonies. These bacteria produce natural compounds, especially propanoic acid and ethanol, that kill the fungus and prevent it from growing. This discovery offers a safe, natural alternative to chemical treatments for protecting honeybees from fungal infections while maintaining colony health.

Candida glabrata meningitis in a patient with newly diagnosed acquired immunodeficiency syndrome from Sikkim, India

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A middle-aged woman in India was admitted with severe headaches and was found to have a rare fungal infection of the brain (meningitis) caused by Candida glabrata, a type of yeast. She had recently been diagnosed with AIDS and had very low immune cell counts. Although doctors tried multiple antifungal medications, the yeast showed resistance to these drugs and the patient’s condition worsened, ultimately leading to her death. This case highlights how dangerous fungal infections can be in people with severely weakened immune systems.

Antifungal and other bioactive properties of the volatilome of Streptomyces scabiei

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Researchers discovered that Streptomyces scabiei, a bacterium that causes common scab disease in potatoes and other root crops, produces numerous airborne chemical compounds with surprising benefits. Using advanced chemical analysis, they identified 36 different volatile molecules, many of which can kill harmful fungi and promote plant health. This discovery suggests the bacterium’s role in nature is more complex than previously thought, as it may actually help protect plants while causing disease, opening new possibilities for developing natural pest control solutions.

Prevalence and antifungal susceptibility profiles of Candida isolates among patients with candiduria: a multiplex PCR assay

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Researchers studied yeast infections in urine from hospitalized patients using advanced molecular testing. They found that while Candida albicans was most common, other yeast species were becoming more resistant to antifungal medications. The study used a 21-tube PCR test to identify different yeast species and tested which medications worked best against them. Results showed that newer yeast species were much more likely to resist commonly used antifungal drugs like fluconazole.

A rare case of invasive necrotizing myositis of the thigh caused by Basidiobolus ranarum: a multi-pronged approach to successfully managing a near-fatal polybacterial mycotic infection

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A 46-year-old man developed a severe fungal infection of his thigh caused by Basidiobolus ranarum, a rare fungus found in soil and animal feces. The infection worsened with secondary bacterial contamination, leading to tissue death and eventually requiring amputation. Doctors successfully treated the infection using a combination approach: antifungal medications (voriconazole and potassium iodide), antibiotics, and multiple surgical cleanings, though earlier treatment would have saved his limb.

Basidiobolomycosis caused by a rare species – Basidiobolus meristosporus

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A five-year-old girl developed large swollen lumps on her buttock and thigh that were initially thought to be tuberculosis or cancer. Doctors took a tissue sample and found it was caused by a rare fungus called Basidiobolus meristosporus. Using advanced DNA sequencing techniques, they identified the exact fungus species and treated her successfully with an antifungal medication called itraconazole, leading to complete healing within six weeks.

Engineered biosynthesis and characterization of disaccharide-pimaricin

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Scientists engineered a bacterium to produce a modified antibiotic called disaccharide-pimaricin that fights fungal infections with much better safety. This new compound dissolves better in water (107 times more soluble) and is much less toxic to human blood cells (12.6 times safer) compared to regular pimaricin, while still maintaining antifungal effectiveness. Through optimized fermentation processes, they achieved high production yields of 138 mg/L, making this a promising candidate for safer antifungal treatments.

therapeutic action: antifungal activity