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Mounting a multi-layered attack on fungal infections
September 08, 2009Unravelling a microbe's multilayer defence mechanisms could lead to effective new treatments for potentially lethal fungal infections in cancer patients and others whose natural immunity is weakened.
Although not as well known as bacterial infections, such as MRSA and E.coli, fungal infections such as that caused by the yeast Candida albicans can be more serious and lead to a higher death rate. Using mutant forms of the C. albicans yeast which lacked different parts of the yeast cell wall, Professor Neil Gow and his colleagues have uncovered a three-pronged mechanism by which the body's immune defences attack the invading fungus.
Presenting the work at the Society for General Microbiology's meeting at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, today (8 September), Professor Gow explained that the yeast's cell wall consists of a skeleton-like structure made up of complex sugars called chitins and glucans, covered by an outer layer of proteins which are highly decorated with sugars. The white blood cells that form part of the human immune system have receptors on their surfaces which recognise specific parts of the yeast cell wall, enabling them to fasten on to the invading yeast cells, kill them and then break them down. However other components in the yeast cell wall were found that can damp down this immune response.
In addition, the immune system needs to attack the glucans in the yeast inner cell wall. In the early stages of infection when the white blood cells start to digest the outer cell wall of the yeast, the glucans become more exposed; the immune system is then able to mount a chemical attack on these molecules.
"We need to find out exactly what the body's immune systems detect and what receptors the defence cells have that recognise the yeast's cell wall components. However, fungi are clever enough to develop evasion strategies - so we need to figure what these are too. If we can do this we may be able to stimulate the immune system to work more effectively in killing disease-causing fungi," said Professor Gow.
"In the longer term we may be able to treat patients with immunotherapy - with agents that stimulate their immunity - as well as with anti-microbial drugs. In addition our work may also lead to new ways to detect fungal infections earlier. Too often the fungus has taken a hold and established itself so well that treatment becomes even more difficult".
Society for General Microbiology
In addition, the immune system needs to attack the glucans in the yeast inner cell wall. In the early stages of infection when the white blood cells start to digest the outer cell wall of the yeast, the glucans become more exposed; the immune system is then able to mount a chemical attack on these molecules.
"We need to find out exactly what the body's immune systems detect and what receptors the defence cells have that recognise the yeast's cell wall components. However, fungi are clever enough to develop evasion strategies - so we need to figure what these are too. If we can do this we may be able to stimulate the immune system to work more effectively in killing disease-causing fungi," said Professor Gow.
"In the longer term we may be able to treat patients with immunotherapy - with agents that stimulate their immunity - as well as with anti-microbial drugs. In addition our work may also lead to new ways to detect fungal infections earlier. Too often the fungus has taken a hold and established itself so well that treatment becomes even more difficult".
Society for General Microbiology
Fungal Infection Current Events and Fungal Infection News RSSWPI Researchers Take Aim at Hard-to-Treat Fungal Infections
A team of researchers at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Life Sciences and Bioengineering Center at Gateway Park has developed a new model system to study fungal infections.
Genetic links to fungal infection risk identified
Two genetic mutations that may put individuals at increased risk of fungal infections have been identified by scientists from UCL and Radboud University, increasing understanding about the genetic basis of these infections and potentially aiding the development of new treatments.
Breast cancer drug shows promise against serious infections
An FDA-approved drug used for preventing recurrence of breast cancer shows promise in fighting life-threatening fungal infections common in immune-compromised patients, such as infants born prematurely and patients with cancer.
Fungi the cause of many outbreaks of disease but mostly ignored
Fungi can cause a number of life-threatening diseases but they also are becoming increasingly useful to science and manufacturing every year.
Predicting the risk of a common fungal infection after stem cell transplantation
In silico genetic analysis in mice has led to the discovery of a gene affecting susceptibility to a severe fungal infection in transplant recipients.
New findings on immune system in amphibians
Krakow/Halle. Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes produce proteins that are crucial in fighting pathogen assault. Researchers from the Jagiellonian University in Krakow and from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) characterized genetic variation and detected more than one MHC class II locus in a tailed amphibian.
Pregnancy may slow -- not accelerate -- progression to AIDS
A new study may help put to rest fears that pregnancy accelerates progression to full-blown AIDS in women with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy.
Anti-fungal drug stops blood vessel growth
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered to their surprise that a drug commonly used to treat toenail fungus can also block angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels commonly seen in cancers.
Insects cultivate 'antibiotic-producing bacteria' in their antennae
Bacteria live in, on and around us and other organisms with sometimes very beneficial results. For the first time scientists have shown that one species of insect deliberately cultivates bacteria in its antennae in order to protect their larvae from fungal attack.
Infectious disease researchers develop basis for experimental melanoma treatment
While investigating a fungus known to cause an infection in people with AIDS, two grantees of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), unexpectedly discovered a potential strategy for treating metastatic melanoma, one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer.
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Fungal Infection: Diagnosis and Management by Malcolm Richardson (Author), David W. Warnock (Author) Second author, David W. Warnock, is with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Current guide to the clinical manifestations, laboratory diagnosis and management of superficial, subcutaneous, and systemic fungal infections. Previous edition: c1997. For practitioners and residents. Softcover. DNLM: Mycoses--therapy. |
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Pocket Guide to Fungal Infection by Malcolm Richardson (Author), Elizabeth Johnson (Author) The Pocket Guide to Fungal Infection presents, in a convenient and practical format, the major features of fungal infections in humans, providing visual information for each pathogen and the infections they cause.
The second edition has been extensively revised. In each chapter the clinical manifestations and management sections have been revised and updated to include recently developed antifungal drugs. New sections include;
Emerging yeast and filamentous fungal pathogens Antifungal susceptibility testing Antifungal assays Molecular methods in medical mycology Mycological aspects of the indoor environment.
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SAPROX Natural Treatment Fungal Skin Infections by Saprox SAPROX is 100% natural clay that contains sulphur and other minerals, humic acids, essential oils and other organic substances that are a product of very slow decomposition of herbs and aquatic plants without presence of oxygen over thousands of years. This natural process preserves beneficial elements within the clay. The combination of all elements play an important part of SAPROX's complex effect. Saprox's significant healing effect is inhibiting and preventing growth of fungus and yeast. The anaerobic condition where Saprox exists prevents parasites, fungus and most bacteria from invading the mud deeming it safe to use on skin without open sores. Do not apply Saprox to an open bleeding skin wound. Saprox may be used on most external fungal skin infections successfully: Tinea... |
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Clearly Confident Antifungal Cream, 1-Ounce Containers (Pack of 2) by Clearly Confident Nail Advantage NF. Fast acting. See results in 28 days (full care and clearing may require longer usage). Emu Oil patented formulation. Doctor recommended. Apply once daily. Works through nail polish. Ideal for manicurists! Clearly Confident Fungus Treatm |
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Ring-Ex - Natural Pet Ringworm Relief - Fungal Skin Infections Treatment (30ml) by Nativeremedies Ringworm may cause various lesions on the skin and these are not always in the shape of a ring. You may notice your pet scratching at areas that look scaly and inflamed and, with time, the hair in these patches may be lost. Ringworm can look very similar to a number of other skin conditions including mange and allergic conditions, so if in doubt it is important to take your pet to a vet in order to be sure of the diagnosis. Usual treatment of ringworm involves use of anti-fungal shampoos or creams. In severe cases oral anti-fungal medication may be used but this has the potential to cause side-effects. PetAlive Ring-Ex contains a blend of natural, herbal ingredients in a medicinal olive oil base, all specially selected to treat ringworm infections. Ring-Ex will also help to prevent the... |
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Fungal Infection (Tinea Versicolor) Stay Young for Life (Primary Contributor) |
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