antifungal activity – Page 22

Vernicia fordii leaf extract inhibited anthracnose growth by downregulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in vitro and in vivo

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Researchers found that leaves from the tung tree (Vernicia fordii) contain natural compounds that effectively kill a fungus (Colletotrichum fructicola) that damages oil tea plants. The extract works by increasing harmful oxidative stress in fungal cells and turning off genes the fungus needs to survive. This explains why farmers have successfully grown these trees together for centuries to naturally reduce disease.

Two Cases of Curvularia geniculata Keratitis Successfully Treated with Natamycin-Based Therapy

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Two patients developed rare fungal eye infections caused by Curvularia geniculata after eye injuries from plant material. The infections caused corneal ulcers with characteristic feathery infiltrates. Both patients were successfully treated using natamycin eyedrops, either alone or combined with voriconazole, and both recovered excellent vision. Accurate identification of the fungus using genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis and helped guide treatment decisions.

HIV protease inhibitors restore amphotericin B activity against Candida

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Researchers discovered that HIV protease inhibitors, medications commonly used to treat HIV, can significantly enhance the effectiveness of amphotericin B, a powerful antifungal drug. When combined, these medications work synergistically to kill the dangerous fungus Candida auris, reduce its ability to form protective biofilms, and lower infection levels. This finding suggests a promising new treatment strategy for multidrug-resistant fungal infections that currently pose a serious global health threat.

John Perfect Shares Insights on Infectious Diseases, Antifungal Therapy, and Drug Resistance

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Dr. John Perfect shares decades of experience treating fungal infections and developing antifungal medications. He discusses how treatments have evolved from highly toxic drugs to more effective options, but notes that fungal infections remain challenging, especially when patients develop resistance or have serious underlying diseases. He emphasizes the importance of combining drugs with immune therapies and shorter, more potent treatments rather than lengthy medication courses. Despite challenges, Dr. Perfect is optimistic about the future of medicine and encourages young scientists to pursue careers in this field.

Bacillus subtilis ED24 Controls Fusarium culmorum in Wheat Through Bioactive Metabolite Secretion and Modulation of Rhizosphere Microbiome

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A beneficial bacteria called Bacillus subtilis ED24 was found to effectively protect wheat plants from a destructive fungal disease called Fusarium culmorum. When applied to wheat seeds, this bacteria improved seed germination and plant growth better than a commercial chemical fungicide, while also promoting helpful microorganisms in the soil around the plant roots. The bacteria works by producing special chemical compounds that kill the harmful fungus and by enriching the soil microbiome with beneficial organisms.

The Antimicrobial Extract Derived from Pseudomonas sp. HP-1 for Inhibition of Aspergillus flavus Growth and Prolongation of Maize Seed Storage

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Researchers discovered that a beneficial bacterium called Pseudomonas sp. HP-1 can produce a natural compound that effectively prevents mold contamination in stored maize seeds. The extract from this bacterium showed strong antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus, a major cause of aflatoxin contamination in grain storage. The main protective compound was identified as phenazinecarboxylic acid, which works by damaging the cell membranes of fungal cells. This finding offers a promising eco-friendly alternative to synthetic chemical fungicides for protecting stored crops.

Volatile Metabolome and Transcriptomic Analysis of Kosakonia cowanii Ch1 During Competitive Interaction with Sclerotium rolfsii Reveals New Biocontrol Insights

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Researchers found that a bacterium called K. cowanii produces special gases (volatile organic compounds) that kill fungal plant diseases like those caused by Sclerotium rolfsii. When grown together with this fungus, the bacterium produces these toxic gases which inhibit fungal growth by up to 80%. The study identified specific genes the bacteria activate to produce these antifungal compounds, offering a natural alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting crops.

Antifungal Volatile Organic Compounds from Talaromyces purpureogenus CEF642N: Insights from One Strain Many Compounds (OSMAC) Strategy for Controlling Verticillium dahliae in Cotton

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Scientists discovered that a beneficial fungus called Talaromyces purpureogenus can produce powerful antifungal compounds that kill cotton wilt disease. By growing this fungus on different nutrient media, researchers identified two main antifungal compounds: 3-octanol and 2-octenal. These natural compounds completely or nearly completely stopped the growth of the cotton wilt pathogen in laboratory tests, offering a promising green alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting cotton crops.

Characterizing antimicrobial activity of environmental Streptomyces spp. and oral bacterial and fungal isolates from Canis familiaris and Felis catus

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Researchers collected bacteria and fungi from the mouths of pet dogs and cats, as well as environmental soil bacteria, to search for natural antimicrobial compounds. They found that some of these microorganisms produce substances that can kill harmful bacteria like E. coli and fungi like Candida albicans, especially when combined with existing antifungal medications. Notably, one environmental bacterium (Streptomyces) produced a compound that was even effective against fungal strains resistant to common antifungal drugs, suggesting promising new treatment possibilities.

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.

therapeutic action: antifungal activity