Research Topic: immunosuppression

Schizophyllum commune infection following chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in a patient with lymphoma

A 71-year-old woman receiving CAR T-cell therapy for lymphoma developed a rare fungal lung infection caused by Schizophyllum commune six months after treatment. The infection presented similarly to other fungal diseases affecting the lungs and was diagnosed through bronchoscopy and fungal culture despite negative blood antibody tests. Standard antifungal medication (voriconazole) taken by mouth for four months completely resolved the infection, highlighting the need to consider rare fungi in patients receiving advanced cancer immunotherapies.

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Clinical Mycology Today: Emerging Challenges and Opportunities

Fungal infections are becoming more common due to new cancer treatments and other medical advances, while some fungal species are developing resistance to standard antifungal medications. The good news is that several new antifungal drugs are in development with better safety profiles and novel mechanisms to fight these infections. However, the field faces challenges including limited specialized mycologists and difficulty designing clinical trials to properly test new treatments.

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A Case Report of Candidiasis Cellulitis in Long-Term Corticosteroid Use

A 54-year-old man developed a serious hand infection caused by Candida albicans, a yeast that normally lives harmlessly on human skin. The infection occurred because he had been taking large doses of corticosteroid injections for 15 years to help with breathing problems, which weakened his immune system. Doctors drained the infected area and treated him with antifungal medication, and he recovered completely, highlighting the importance of recognizing fungal infections in patients on long-term steroid therapy.

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Pulmonary Aspergilloma in a Non-adherent Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patient Receiving Long-Term Immunosuppression: A Report of a Rare Case

A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease treated with long-term immune-suppressing medications, developed a serious fungal lung infection called pulmonary aspergilloma. Despite the complexity of managing multiple conditions and extensive bilateral lung involvement, the patient was successfully treated with prolonged voriconazole antifungal therapy rather than surgery, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and tailored treatment in immunocompromised patients.

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A Case of Superficial Mycoses in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

A 52-year-old woman with lupus developed severe fungal skin infections that were initially mistaken for worsening lupus symptoms. Her condition improved after 6 months of treatment with two antifungal medications (terbinafine and itraconazole). This case reminds doctors that patients taking immunosuppressive medications for lupus are at high risk for fungal infections, which can be misdiagnosed as lupus flares.

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Life-threatening airway stenosis due to Scedosporium infection during nontuberculous mycobacteria treatment: A case report

A 73-year-old woman with arthritis being treated with immunosuppressive drugs developed a severe fungal airway infection caused by a rare fungus called Scedosporium apiospermum. Her airway became dangerously narrowed, requiring emergency support with an artificial lung machine while doctors inserted a stent to open her airway. After correctly identifying the fungus and treating it with an antifungal medication called voriconazole, she recovered well with complete healing of the infection.

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Invasive Rhinocerebral Mucormycosis Is a Rare Complication in Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Patient

A 5-year-old girl with a serious joint disease called systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis developed a dangerous fungal infection in her nasal cavity and brain area. The fungal infection, caused by a mold organism called Lichtheimia, occurred because her immune system was severely weakened by medications used to treat her arthritis. Doctors treated the infection with antifungal drugs and surgery, and the patient eventually recovered by switching to a different arthritis medication. This case highlights how the strong medications needed to control some childhood arthritis can unexpectedly cause serious fungal infections.

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Deep Fungal Infection of the Skin with Two Rare Fungi in a Dog Being Treated with Immunosuppressant Therapy: A Case Report

An 8-year-old dog receiving long-term immunosuppressive medication for brain inflammation developed rare fungal skin infections caused by two unusual fungi not previously reported together in veterinary medicine. Diagnosis required multiple tests including tissue samples, staining techniques, and genetic testing. Despite treatment with antifungal medications and careful adjustment of immunosuppressive drugs, the infections did not improve, highlighting the difficult balance between fighting infections and controlling the underlying immune disease.

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Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Due to COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis with Rare Extensive Tracheobronchial Pseudomembranous Involvement: A Case Report

An elderly COVID-19 patient developed a rare and severe fungal infection caused by Aspergillus fungus in the airways, creating yellowish-white membrane-like deposits that blocked breathing. Despite identification of the fungus through examination and modern genetic testing, and treatment with antifungal medications, the patient’s condition worsened rapidly leading to organ failure and death. This case highlights how fungal infections can complicate COVID-19, especially in elderly patients on multiple medications, and stresses the importance of early recognition and immediate antifungal treatment.

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