Fungal infections – Page 11

Correction to: Candida albicans—A systematic review to inform the World Health Organization Fungal Priority Pathogens List

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This is a correction notice to an important scientific review about Candida albicans, a common fungal infection that affects many people worldwide. The World Health Organization requested this systematic review to help prioritize which fungal diseases are most important to address globally. The correction simply fixes an author’s name that was misspelled in the original published version of the review.

A case report of disseminated histoplasmosis not responding to primary treatment by itraconazole

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A healthy 28-year-old woman developed a serious fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum after dental surgery. The standard antifungal medication (itraconazole) did not work for her, even at high doses. Doctors successfully treated her with a more powerful antifungal drug called liposomal amphotericin B, which cleared the infection completely. This case shows the importance of adjusting treatment when patients don’t respond to initial therapy.

Dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton benhamiae in a sea lion. First report

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A 13-year-old sea lion in a marine park developed ringworm-like skin lesions caused by a fungus called Trichophyton benhamiae, marking the first time this fungus has been identified in this species. Scientists identified the fungus using DNA testing and found it was resistant to common antifungal drugs, so they treated it with a combination of oral medication (terbinafine), topical ozonized oil, and a liver-protecting supplement. After three months of treatment, the sea lion’s skin healed completely.

Rhino sinusitis caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae in a diabetic patient

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A 56-year-old diabetic man developed a sinus infection caused by a rare fungus called Lasiodiplodia theobromae, which typically affects plants. The infection was diagnosed through laboratory testing and DNA sequencing, as traditional identification methods were inconclusive. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of sinus surgery and a six-week course of antifungal medication, showing complete recovery after one year of follow-up.

Invasive Fungal Disease is Rare in Multiple Myeloma Patients Treated with BCMA CAR-T Therapy

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Researchers studied 234 multiple myeloma patients who received a cutting-edge cancer treatment called BCMA CAR-T therapy. While this therapy can cause serious side effects related to immune system activation, the study found that dangerous fungal infections were surprisingly rare, occurring in only 1.7% of patients. However, when fungal infections did occur in these patients, they tended to be severe and life-threatening, highlighting the need for careful monitoring of high-risk patients.

Disseminated Scedosporium boydii infection with pulmonary and cerebral involvement in a patient with COPD: A case report

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A 51-year-old man with chronic lung disease developed a life-threatening brain infection caused by a rare fungus called Scedosporium boydii. The infection started in his lungs and spread to his brain, causing a fluid-filled abscess. Despite treatment with antifungal medications and surgery, the patient died because the initial treatment was incomplete and the infection had time to progress to his brain.

A case report of disseminated histoplasmosis not responding to primary treatment by itraconazole

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A 28-year-old woman developed a serious fungal infection (histoplasmosis) after dental surgery that was initially misdiagnosed as a bacterial infection. Although she was treated with an antifungal medication called itraconazole, her condition worsened with larger lung lesions appearing. When switched to a stronger intravenous antifungal called liposomal amphotericin B, she rapidly improved and fully recovered, demonstrating the importance of adjusting treatment when patients don’t respond as expected.

Endogenous Endophthalmitis: An underestimated serious complication in patients with disseminated fusariosis

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An 18-year-old boy with acute leukemia developed a serious fungal infection caused by Fusarium mold that spread throughout his body, including to both eyes. Despite receiving intensive antifungal medications injected directly into his eyes along with systemic treatment, he lost his vision. However, through aggressive combined therapy, doctors were able to save both eyes and continue his cancer treatment successfully.

The association of Yarrowia lipolytica with onychomycosis

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A 20-year-old woman had a persistent toenail infection that did not respond to multiple antifungal treatments. Researchers identified the cause as Yarrowia lipolytica, an unusual yeast that had never been found causing nail infections before. The yeast was resistant to several common antifungal medications, explaining why previous treatments failed. This case shows the importance of identifying the exact fungus causing an infection to develop effective treatment strategies.

Emerging Infections Network Survey of Screening for Cryptococcal Antigenemia, United States, 2024

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Researchers surveyed infectious disease doctors across the United States about how often they screen HIV patients for cryptococcal infections using a simple blood test. They found that only about one-third to two-thirds of doctors regularly perform this screening despite guidelines recommending it. Many doctors expressed uncertainty about whether the screening is beneficial or weren’t sure about the official recommendations, suggesting a need for better education about this potentially life-saving test.

Research Topic: Fungal infections