antifungal activity – Page 34

Addressing filamentous fungi-related onychomycosis in the era of antifungal resistance: assessment of Zataria multiflora nanostructured lipid carrier topical gel in a double-blinded clinical trial

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Nail fungal infections (onychomycosis) are difficult to treat, especially as fungi become resistant to standard antifungal medications. Researchers tested a new gel made from Zataria multiflora (Shirazi thyme) packaged in special nanoparticles that help the medicine penetrate the nail better. In a clinical trial comparing this gel to placebo, the Zataria multiflora treatment showed better results after just 2 weeks, with 70% of patients experiencing fungal cure compared to 55% with placebo.

Chronic cavitary pulmonary histoplasmosis treated with isavuconazole after a hypersensitivity reaction to itraconazole

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A 68-year-old patient with a serious lung infection caused by Histoplasma fungus initially developed an allergic skin reaction to the standard medication itraconazole. Unable to use the typical treatment, doctors switched him to a newer antifungal drug called isavuconazole using a carefully controlled graded dose approach. The patient successfully tolerated the new medication and achieved complete resolution of his infection with sustained improvement, suggesting isavuconazole could be a viable alternative for similar patients.

Extracellular Biosynthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by Filamentous Fungi

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Researchers used three types of fungi to naturally create tiny silver particles that can kill harmful bacteria and fungi. These particles were much smaller than the width of a human hair and proved especially effective against dangerous bacteria like those causing hospital infections and Candida yeast infections. This green manufacturing method is safer for the environment than traditional chemical approaches and could help address the growing problem of drug-resistant infections.

Favorable outcome of Lasiodiplodia theobromae keratomycosis: a clinical case and systematic review

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A 74-year-old farmer developed a serious fungal eye infection caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae, a rare tropical fungus. Instead of requiring eye surgery, the patient was successfully treated with a combination of two antifungal medications applied as eye drops and taken orally for eight weeks. This case is significant because it’s the first documented successful medical treatment of this particular fungal infection, highlighting the importance of quick diagnosis and avoiding corticosteroid eye drops that can worsen fungal infections.

Impact of Various Essential Oils on the Development of Pathogens of the Fusarium Genus and on Health and Germination Parameters of Winter Wheat and Maize

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Researchers tested whether essential oils from common herbs like thyme, sage, and cumin could protect wheat and corn seeds from fungal diseases. Thyme oil worked best at killing the harmful fungi, but it also slowed down seed sprouting. The study suggests these natural oils could replace chemical fungicides in farming, though farmers need to carefully choose which oil and how much to use.

Computational analysis of missense mutations in squalene epoxidase associated with terbinafine resistance in clinically reported dermatophytes

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Certain fungal skin infections are becoming resistant to terbinafine, a common antifungal medication, due to genetic mutations in an enzyme called squalene epoxidase. Using computer models and analysis tools, researchers identified which mutations most strongly reduce the drug’s effectiveness and where the protein changes occur. Four specific mutations were found to prevent terbinafine from binding to its target, offering insights that could help develop better antifungal treatments.

Phytochemical Profile and Antimicrobial Activities of Edible Mushroom Termitomyces striatus

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Researchers studied an edible mushroom called Termitomyces striatus traditionally consumed in Africa and Asia to understand its disease-fighting properties. They found that extracts from this mushroom contain beneficial compounds that can kill harmful bacteria and fungi in laboratory tests. The dichloromethane extract was the most effective, showing strong activity against multiple disease-causing bacteria and the yeast Candida albicans. This suggests the mushroom could potentially be developed into new natural antimicrobial treatments.

Antimicrobial and Antifungal Activities of Proline-Based 2,5-Diketopiperazines Occurring in Food and Beverages and Their Synergism with Lactic Acid

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Researchers synthesized special cyclic peptides called 2,5-diketopiperazines (found naturally in fermented foods like bread and cheese) and tested their ability to kill harmful molds and bacteria. When combined with lactic acid (a natural preservative), these compounds worked extremely well together, achieving nearly complete mold inhibition. This research suggests that using special starter cultures that naturally produce these compounds could help keep food fresh longer without artificial preservatives.

Breaking down biofilms across critical priority fungal pathogens: proteomics and computational innovation for mechanistic insights and new target discovery

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Fungal infections like cryptococcal meningitis and invasive aspergillosis are becoming increasingly difficult to treat because fungi form protective structures called biofilms that resist our current medications. Researchers are using advanced techniques like mass spectrometry to identify the proteins that help fungi build these biofilms, combined with artificial intelligence tools to design new drugs that could break down these protective shields. This combined approach offers hope for developing better antifungal treatments that could save millions of lives.

Molecular epidemiology, diversity, and antifungal susceptibility profiles of clinical and environmental mucorales: a five-year multicenter study in Iran (2018–2023)

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This study examined dangerous mold infections called mucormycosis that became more common during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in Iran. Researchers tested over 180 fungal samples from patients and soil to understand which types of molds cause infections and which antifungal medicines work best against them. They found that two medicines, amphotericin B and posaconazole, were most effective, while fungi from soil samples were often more resistant to treatment than those from infected patients. This research helps doctors choose the right treatments for patients with these serious infections.

therapeutic action: antifungal activity