molecular diagnosis – mycolab.ai

Disseminated subcutaneous sporotrichosis in an immunocompetent patient: A case report and a systematic literature review

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A 74-year-old man developed multiple infected lumps on his arm, wrist, and finger months after being injured by a tree branch. Doctors identified the infection as sporotrichosis caused by a fungus called Sporothrix schenckii using advanced genetic testing. He was successfully treated with itraconazole tablets for several months and completely recovered. This case is unusual because sporotrichosis typically affects people with weakened immune systems, but this patient had a normal immune system.

Molecular Identification of Candida Species among Iranian Patients: Pursuing Candida auris

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Researchers in Iran studied 136 hospital patients to identify different types of Candida fungal infections using a molecular laboratory technique called PCR-RFLP. They found that while Candida albicans remained the most common species, other Candida species were increasingly prevalent in hospitalized patients. The study developed a cost-effective diagnostic method that could help developing countries identify these fungal infections faster and more accurately, though the dangerous multidrug-resistant Candida auris was not found in their samples.

Epidemiology of Onychomycosis in the United States Characterized Using Molecular Methods, 2015–2024

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This large study examined over 710,000 nail samples to identify which fungi cause nail infections in the United States. Using modern molecular testing combined with microscopic analysis, researchers found that while the fungus T. rubrum is most common, other molds and yeasts cause many infections too. Importantly, women and older adults are more likely to have infections from these other organisms, which are often harder to treat with standard antifungal medications.

Epidermophyton floccosum, an etiological agent of tinea pedis and tinea unguium: about two cases

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Two elderly patients were diagnosed with fungal nail and foot infections caused by Epidermophyton floccosum, a fungus that has become less common in recent years. Both cases were confirmed using advanced molecular testing (real-time PCR) alongside traditional laboratory methods. The infections were successfully treated with terbinafine, an antifungal medication. This case report highlights the importance of using modern diagnostic techniques to accurately identify and treat fungal infections.

Plant Pathogenic Fungi Special Issue: Genetics and Genomics

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This scientific review discusses how modern genetics and genomics tools are helping researchers better understand and manage plant diseases caused by fungi. Seven research studies are presented covering topics like identifying different fungal species, understanding how fungi attack plants, and finding natural alternatives to chemical fungicides. The research emphasizes the importance of monitoring fungal diseases and developing crops that resist infection to protect global food production.

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.

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

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This study evaluated how well PCR blood tests and tissue samples can diagnose a serious fungal infection called mucormycosis. Researchers analyzed 30 previous studies and found that PCR testing works very well, especially on respiratory fluid samples. Blood tests showed good accuracy too and could be useful for screening high-risk patients without requiring invasive procedures. The findings suggest PCR should become a standard diagnostic method for this difficult-to-diagnose infection.

Extensive erythematous plaques of fungal origin in an overseas student: Cutaneous manifestation of coccidioidomycosis

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A 21-year-old student studying in Arizona developed unusual skin rashes months after returning to China. Doctors had difficulty diagnosing the condition because it lacked typical symptoms of the fungal infection coccidioidomycosis. By using multiple diagnostic methods including DNA sequencing and fungal culture, they identified the infection as caused by Coccidioides posadasii. When the initial antifungal drug didn’t work, testing showed the fungus was resistant, so they switched to a different antifungal called voriconazole, which successfully cured the infection after 12 months.

Usefulness of Serum as a Non-Invasive Sample for the Detection of Histoplasma capsulatum Infections: Retrospective Comparative Analysis of Different Diagnostic Techniques and Quantification of Host Biomarkers

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This study evaluated how well different blood tests can detect histoplasmosis, a serious fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum. Researchers compared three types of tests: those detecting fungal antigens, those detecting antibodies the body produces against the fungus, and DNA-based tests. They found that the best test depends on whether the patient’s immune system is functioning normally or is weakened by HIV, and using a combination of tests provides the most reliable diagnosis. The study also identified specific immune markers in the blood that are elevated in infected patients, which could help predict disease severity.

Research Topic: molecular diagnosis