Opportunistic infections – Page 2

Differential composition of the pulmonary microbiome in HIV-positive versus HIV-negative patients with Pneumocystis jirovecii

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This study compared lung infections in HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients who both had Pneumocystis jirovecii. Researchers found that HIV-positive patients had more diverse microorganisms in their lungs, particularly viruses, yet generally did better. HIV-negative patients had fewer types of microorganisms but worse outcomes. The findings suggest that the way a person’s immune system is weakened matters more than just having many germs present.

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

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A 54-year-old man developed a serious skin infection on his hand caused by Candida, a normally harmless fungus, because he had been taking corticosteroid injections for 15 years for breathing problems. Despite antibiotic treatment, the swelling and pain continued. Doctors discovered it was a fungal infection through lab tests and treated it with antifungal medication (fluconazole) after draining the infection, which completely healed within two weeks.

Cryptococcus: Emerging host risk factors for infection

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This scientific review examines why some people without HIV are getting serious Cryptococcus infections and becoming very sick. Researchers found that people with liver problems, kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune diseases face much higher risk. The review also identifies new drugs and therapies that can surprisingly increase infection risk, highlighting the importance of understanding individual patient factors when treating these dangerous fungal infections.

Disseminated mucormycosis leading to a fatal gastrointestinal perforation in a pediatric case of EBV-associated Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

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A 12-month-old girl with a serious immune system disorder called HLH developed a rare and dangerous fungal infection called mucormycosis. Despite receiving the best available treatments, the fungal infection spread throughout her digestive system and caused a perforation (hole) in her intestines. The doctors found it difficult to diagnose the fungal infection early because the warning signs were subtle, and the infection progressed very rapidly. Unfortunately, the girl passed away despite emergency surgery and high-dose antifungal medications.

Clinical spectrum, immune status, and prognostic factors of cryptococcosis: insights from a large, multi-center, ambispective cohort study in southeastern China

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This study examined cryptococcosis, a serious fungal infection, in 396 non-HIV patients across hospitals in southeastern China. The researchers found that patients’ immune status, whether the infection spread to the brain, and blood inflammation markers were key predictors of survival. Most patients treated with azole medications (a common antifungal) improved or recovered, though those with brain involvement or severe immune deficiency had worse outcomes. The findings help doctors identify which patients need more intensive treatment.

Taxonomic revision of Bisifusarium (Nectriaceae)

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Scientists have identified and formally named 8 new species of Bisifusarium, a genus of fungi found in cheese, soil, and some human infections. Using genetic analysis and careful observation of fungal structures, researchers studied 116 fungal samples collected from around the world. This work more than doubled the known number of Bisifusarium species from 16 to over 24, providing clearer identification methods for future research in food science and medicine.

Disseminated histoplasmosis with bone marrow infiltration in a newly diagnosed HIV patient

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A Colombian patient living in Spain developed a serious fungal infection (histoplasmosis) that spread throughout his body and affected his bone marrow, which was discovered during his HIV diagnosis. Doctors identified the infection by examining bone marrow cells under a microscope and confirmed it with fungal culture and genetic testing. The patient was treated with antifungal medication (liposomal amphotericin B) along with HIV medications and recovered well, highlighting the importance of bone marrow testing in severely immunocompromised HIV patients.

Invasive nasal and paranasal mucormycosis in a patient with severe dengue fever and multiple risk factors: A case report and literature review

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A 50-year-old woman in Vietnam developed a rare and deadly fungal infection called mucormycosis while recovering from dengue fever. She had weakened immunity from taking steroids for other conditions and from the dengue virus itself. The infection caused black, dead tissue to rapidly spread in her nose and around her eye. Despite treatment with antifungal medications, the infection progressed, and she died within days. The case shows how important it is to watch for dangerous opportunistic infections in dengue patients, especially those already dealing with weakened immune systems.

Disseminated cryptococcosis in an HIV patient with hepatitis C as the associated risk factor

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A 29-year-old patient with HIV and hepatitis C developed a serious fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans that spread to the brain. The infection was diagnosed through blood and spinal fluid tests and treated successfully with antifungal medications. This case shows why it is important to recognize and treat fungal infections quickly in people with weakened immune systems and multiple health conditions.

Mucor germinans, a novel dimorphic species resembling Paracoccidioides in a clinical sample: questions on ecological strategy

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Researchers discovered a new fungus called Mucor germinans that infected a cancer patient’s lungs and appeared as yeast cells rather than the typical thread-like fungal structures. This is unusual because Mucor infections normally show filamentous hyphae, and the yeast-like appearance made it look like a different fungus, potentially delaying correct diagnosis and treatment. The study shows that this fungus can change forms depending on temperature and other conditions, and identifying it requires checking for multiple nuclei in the cells to distinguish it from other similar-looking yeasts.

Research Topic: Opportunistic infections