antifungal resistance – Page 15

Persister cells in human fungal pathogens

mycolabadmin

Some fungal infections fail to respond to antifungal drugs even when the fungus should be susceptible to treatment. This happens because certain fungal cells can enter a dormant ‘sleep-like’ state that helps them survive drug exposure. These dormant cells, called persisters, are able to hide from medications by reducing their metabolism and enhancing their protective defenses. Understanding how these persister cells form and survive could lead to better treatments for serious fungal infections.

Shifting etiological agents of dermatophytosis: a molecular epidemiological study from Iran

mycolabadmin

Researchers in Iran studied fungal infections of the scalp and nails using modern DNA testing methods. They found that the main fungus causing scalp infections (T. tonsurans) remains the most common, but a new species (T. indotineae) is increasingly causing nail infections and is resistant to common antifungal medicines. The study shows that traditional identification methods often misidentify these fungi, highlighting the importance of molecular testing for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Invasive Candidiasis in Contexts of Armed Conflict, High Violence, and Forced Displacement in Latin America and the Caribbean (2005–2025)

mycolabadmin

Invasive candidiasis, a serious fungal blood infection caused by Candida species, is a major health crisis in Latin America and the Caribbean with death rates reaching 60% in vulnerable populations. The disease is worsening in areas affected by armed conflict, violence, and displacement where poor living conditions, overcrowding, malnutrition, and lack of healthcare create ideal conditions for the infection to develop and spread. Antifungal drugs are often unavailable or too expensive, and drug-resistant strains of Candida are becoming increasingly common, making treatment extremely challenging in these regions.

Candida vulturna, the Next Fungal Menace? A Narrative Review

mycolabadmin

Candida vulturna is a newly identified fungus that causes serious bloodstream infections, particularly in newborns and hospitalized patients in tropical regions. Unlike many common fungal infections, it resists several antifungal medications, though it remains susceptible to certain antibiotics called echinocandins. Scientists have documented 94 cases worldwide, including three hospital outbreaks, and the infection has a relatively low death rate of 18%. Accurate identification requires genetic testing since standard hospital laboratory tests often misidentify this pathogen.

First case report of tinea corporis caused by Trichophyton indotineae in Latin America

mycolabadmin

A 21-year-old woman in Argentina developed a persistent skin infection caused by a fungus called Trichophyton indotineae, likely acquired during travel to Mexico. The infection did not respond to common antifungal medications like terbinafine, but responded well to treatment with a special formulation of itraconazole that was completely effective within four weeks. This case represents the first documented occurrence of this emerging fungal pathogen in Latin America and highlights the importance of molecular identification when standard treatments fail.

Phospholipase PlcH is involved in the secretion of cell wall glycoproteins and contributes to the host immune response of Aspergillus fumigatus

mycolabadmin

Researchers discovered that an enzyme called PlcH helps a dangerous mold called Aspergillus fumigatus release protective proteins into its cell wall. These proteins help the fungus survive and evade the immune system. When scientists removed the gene for PlcH, the fungus became weaker and more vulnerable to both antifungal drugs and immune cells, suggesting PlcH could be a target for new antifungal treatments.

The cyclase-associated protein contributes to antifungal susceptibility and virulence in Aspergillus fumigatus

mycolabadmin

Researchers found that removing a specific protein called CAP from a dangerous mold called Aspergillus fumigatus makes it much weaker and easier to kill with antifungal drugs. This mold normally causes serious lung infections in people with weak immune systems. The study showed that CAP helps the mold grow and resist medicines, and blocking it could be a new way to treat these dangerous infections.

Synergistic effects of Cyp51 isozyme-specific azole antifungal agents on fungi with multiple cyp51 isozyme genes

mycolabadmin

This study found that different azole antifungal drugs work better against different versions of an enzyme (Cyp51) that fungi need to survive. By combining two azole drugs that each target different enzyme versions, researchers achieved stronger antifungal effects than either drug alone. This discovery suggests a new strategy for treating stubborn fungal infections by carefully selecting drug combinations based on which enzyme versions the fungus possesses.

Changing Climate, Changing Candida: Environmental and Social Pressures on Invasive Candidiasis and Antifungal Resistance in Latin America

mycolabadmin

Invasive fungal infections caused by Candida species are becoming increasingly common and dangerous in Latin American hospitals, with newer strains showing resistance to multiple antifungal drugs. Rising temperatures from climate change and widespread use of fungicides in agriculture appear to be selecting for these resistant fungi. Most hospitals in the region lack advanced diagnostic tools to quickly identify which fungal strain is causing infection, leading to delayed and sometimes inappropriate treatment. Implementing better diagnostic access, stricter antifungal use policies, and coordinated surveillance programs across the region could help control this growing public health problem.

Magnusiomyces capitatus bloodstream infection in a patient with acute monocytic leukemia: A rare case report

mycolabadmin

A 26-year-old patient with acute leukemia developed a rare fungal bloodstream infection caused by Magnusiomyces capitatus during cancer treatment. The infection was identified through advanced laboratory techniques including DNA sequencing and mass spectrometry. The patient was successfully treated with amphotericin B, highlighting the importance of rapid and accurate fungal identification for better patient outcomes.

Research Topic: antifungal resistance