epidemiology – Page 2

Epidemiology and outcomes of Candida-associated osteoarticular infections: A multicentre retrospective study from Turkey

mycolabadmin

This study examined 73 patients in Turkey who developed bone and joint infections caused by Candida fungi over ten years. The researchers found that diabetes was very common among patients and made recovery harder, while surgery to clean out infected tissue significantly improved outcomes. Importantly, they discovered resistance to common antifungal medications was higher in certain Candida species compared to others.

First Report of Trametes hirsuta, Causal Agent White Rot in Avocado Trees Grown in the State of Michoacán, México

mycolabadmin

Researchers discovered that a wood-decay fungus called Trametes hirsuta is causing serious damage to avocado trees in Michoacán, México, the world’s largest avocado-producing region. The fungus infects tree trunks and branches, causing white rot that eventually kills the trees. About 60% of surveyed avocado trees showed signs of infection. Laboratory experiments confirmed that this fungus, previously known only as a decomposer of dead wood, can actively infect and destroy living avocado trees through wounds in the bark.

The Influence of Biogeographic Diversity, Climate and Wildlife on the Incidence of Tick-Borne Encephalitis in Croatia

mycolabadmin

This study examined tick-borne encephalitis cases in Croatia over 17 years to understand what factors influence disease spread. Researchers found that warmer winters lead to more TBE cases, likely because milder temperatures allow tick populations to survive and thrive better. The disease peaks in summer months when people spend more time outdoors, and certain areas of Croatia have much higher infection rates than others based on their geography and wildlife populations.

Candida auris: Outbreak, surveillance and epidemiological monitoring in Northern Greece

mycolabadmin

A dangerous fungus called Candida auris caused an outbreak in hospitals in Northern Greece starting in October 2022. This fungus is particularly concerning because it is resistant to many commonly used antifungal drugs, especially fluconazole. Researchers monitored and tracked the outbreak across multiple hospitals, finding that all cases belonged to the same genetic type (Clade I) and were treatable with certain alternative antifungal medications. The study emphasizes the importance of careful laboratory surveillance and coordinated infection control measures to prevent further spread of this serious infection.

Sporothrix is neglected among the neglected

mycolabadmin

Sporotrichosis is a fungal infection caused by Sporothrix species that usually affects the skin but can spread to joints, lungs, and eyes. While traditionally spread through plant material during gardening, the disease has increasingly spread between cats and humans through bites and scratches, particularly in South America and other regions. The fungus is developing resistance to common antifungal drugs, and scientists worry climate change could expand where this disease occurs worldwide.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice on mushroom poisoning among residents of Jilin province

mycolabadmin

This study surveyed over 500 residents in Jilin Province about their understanding of mushroom poisoning risks. The results showed that most people had limited knowledge about toxic mushrooms, though many held positive attitudes about food safety. However, knowing about the dangers did not always translate into safer behaviors. The research suggests that better education, especially for rural residents, could help prevent dangerous mushroom poisoning incidents.

Climate Change, Natural Disasters, and Cutaneous Fungal Infections

mycolabadmin

Climate change and natural disasters are creating conditions that allow fungal infections to spread more easily and affect people in new ways. Warmer temperatures help fungi adapt to infect humans, while floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes expose people to fungal spores and create wounds through which infections can enter. Doctors need to be alert for unusual fungal infections after disasters, especially since some of these infections can cause serious complications and resist common treatments.

Association of mushroom consumption with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among American adults: prospective cohort study findings from NHANES III

mycolabadmin

This study followed over 15,000 American adults for nearly 20 years and found that people who ate mushrooms had a lower risk of dying from any cause compared to those who didn’t eat mushrooms. The more mushrooms people ate, the greater the benefit. Replacing red or processed meat with mushrooms was associated with even greater longevity benefits. Mushrooms’ beneficial effects likely come from their high antioxidant content, particularly compounds called ergothioneine and glutathione.

Diagnostic Performance of a PCR-Based Approach for the Diagnosis of Dermatomycosis

mycolabadmin

This study evaluated a new testing method combining DNA analysis (PCR) with traditional microscopy and culture to diagnose fungal skin, hair, and nail infections. The PCR method detects the infection quickly and accurately, identifying the specific fungus causing the problem within days rather than weeks. The study of over 4,400 samples found that Trichophyton rubrum was the most common cause of fungal infections, and the combined testing approach was 98.5% accurate while reducing unnecessary lab work.

Prevalence of Tinea pedis in military personnel: a systematic review and meta-analysis

mycolabadmin

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection affecting the feet that is especially prevalent in military personnel due to their unique living and working conditions. This comprehensive analysis of 25 studies found that about 17% of military personnel worldwide have tinea pedis, with higher rates in hot and humid climates like the Americas and Australia. The infection is promoted by factors such as tight military boots, shared facilities, sweating, and poor foot hygiene. The study recommends better footwear, improved hygiene practices, and more effective diagnostic methods to reduce this health problem in military populations.

Research Topic: epidemiology