Articles tagged with Fungal Infections
Researchers found a protein called RAB5c that helps white blood cells kill Aspergillus fumigatus, a common airborne fungus. Without this protein, immune cells are disarmed despite attacking at full force. The discovery could lead to new treatments for patients with weakened immune systems.
A growing number of fungi are becoming resistant to medication, posing serious risks for patients with weakened immune systems. A five-step plan aims to monitor and prevent the rise of resistant fungi through awareness, surveillance, infection prevention and control, optimized use, and investments.
Researchers discovered that mutations in a key protein make yeast found in dogs with common outer ear infections more resistant to topical antifungals. The team recommends using shorter-tailed azoles as initial therapy for dogs with yeast ear infections, reserving longer-tailed azoles for recurrent or non-responsive cases.
Researchers at Virginia Tech used modern data science to guide restoration strategies for the endangered butternut tree. The study mapped climate and soil conditions linked to natural disease resistance, identifying prime regions for resistant butternut trees and hybrids across the eastern United States.
Co-infection of Cryptococcus neoformans and Mycobacterium tuberculosis increases risk of death significantly compared to fungal infection alone. The fungus changes its cell density, diversity, and capsule size in response to the bacterial pathogen.
A recently identified tree species in Australia, Rhodamnia zombi, is facing extinction due to myrtle rust, a fungal disease that attacks and kills its young shoots. Researchers are working on finding clean cuttings and propagating them to grow resistant seedlings, which may hold the key to resurrecting the 'zombie' tree.
Public Health Alerts provide concise, data-driven information on disease outbreaks and urgent health events. The new series, launched by NEJM Evidence and CIDRAP, offers expert-reviewed reports to support public health evidence-based care.
A study by University of Zurich researchers has shed light on the mechanisms that maintain homeostasis with mucosal fungi. The team discovered that the fungus Candida albicans uses a toxin called candidalysin to survive in the mouth, and that interleukin 17-mediated immunity prevents it from growing out of control.
The Lundquist Institute's second-generation fungal vaccine candidate, VXV-01, is moving forward in development after securing a $40 million NIH/NIAID contract. The vaccine aims to elicit robust immunity against opportunistic and hospital-associated pathogens.
Fungal endophthalmitis is a devastating intraocular infection with low frequency, variable presentation, and limited clinical trial data. New international guidelines provide comprehensive guidance for diagnosis and management, emphasizing early recognition, rapid microbiological confirmation, and prompt multimodal antifungal therapy.
Researchers have developed a molecular test capable of detecting three major pathogenic fungi at once, with a much quicker turnaround than traditional methods. The test bypasses the slow culture process by detecting genetic material directly, eliminating errors and reducing laboratory risk.
Scientists have discovered a promising new treatment for nail infections using hydrogen sulphide, a naturally occurring gas that can penetrate the nail plate efficiently. The research has shown strong antimicrobial activity against a range of nail pathogens, including fungi resistant to common antifungal treatments.
A new study shows that eosinophils, typically linked to allergies, play a protective role against Candida infections by recognizing the fungus and releasing proteins that stop its growth. This discovery opens the door to new therapies that could strengthen natural defenses against life-threatening fungal infections.
The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2025 have been recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to global challenges through applied microbiology. The awards celebrate excellence across various domains, including drug discovery and sustainable agriculture.
A cohort study reveals oral bacteria and fungi as significant risk factors for pancreatic cancer development. The findings suggest that oral microbiota may serve as biomarkers to identify individuals at high risk of pancreatic cancer, potentially contributing to personalized prevention strategies.
Researchers have identified a key immunoregulatory mechanism in aspergillosis, where the dendritic cell receptor limits the host's response to fungal infections. Neutrophils play a crucial role in clearing fungal hyphae, and Dcir regulates their degranulation activity, which is essential for killing pathogens.
The latest ECDC survey confirms that Candidozyma auris is spreading quickly across European hospitals, with case numbers rising and outbreaks growing in scale. Early detection and control of transmission are crucial to prevent widespread rapid dissemination.
Researchers have discovered ancestral evolutionary links of Aspergillus latus strains through genome sequencing analyses, revealing potential for reduced susceptibility to antifungal medications. The study highlights the need for improved molecular diagnostic tools to accurately identify A. latus strains and manage aspergillosis.
A new Korea University study provides the first species-specific health risk estimates for indoor airborne microbes based on animal toxicity data. The research determines that exposure to fungi may be unsafe even at levels below current guidelines, while bacteria are within existing regulatory limits.
The Lundquist Institute has received a $11 million NIH grant to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of mucormycosis, a deadly fungal infection. The MUCOR-ADVANCE initiative aims to develop rapid diagnostic tests and immune-based therapies to save lives.
A new lateral-flow test for mucormycosis has shown swift and accurate results in identifying the disease. The test detects the disease in 30 minutes with high sensitivity and specificity, making it a critical milestone in its development and potential commercialization.
Scientists at the Stowers Institute and University of Georgia discover how Cryptococcus neoformans thrives, identifying over 300 potential targets for novel antifungal drugs. The study provides an atlas for developing new therapies to combat this lethal fungus.
High aflatoxin levels in Ghana's maize and peanuts contribute to the country's high liver cancer rates. Experts call for research to quantify the impact of fungal toxins on the disease.
Researchers at Macquarie University have discovered that cannabis-derived compounds Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabidivarin (CBDV) are effective against a range of fungal pathogens, including Cryptococcus neoformans and dermatophytes. The findings open the door to possible new treatments for these fungal infections.
Researchers discovered that a specific gene duplication in the fungus Madurella fahalii enables it to neutralize medication, leading to effective treatment challenges. This study highlights the potential of molecular techniques to uncover drug resistance mechanisms and pave the way for targeted therapies.
Researchers at Brown University developed targeted liposomes that dramatically increased drug effectiveness against fungal infections, even those caused by tough-to-treat biofilms. The approach also appears to be generally safe, showing no toxicity to human cells commonly affected during infection.
Researchers develop mathematical modeling to predict aflatoxin outbreaks in Texas using remote sensing satellites and soil properties. The model has the potential to save farmers billions of dollars in losses by providing early risk prediction and targeted prevention strategies.
Researchers developed high-resolution risk maps to predict where charcoal rot occurs in soybean fields. The maps use measurable soil characteristics to assess risk across the landscape and identify hotspots for targeted approaches to managing the disease.
Researchers from Radboud University Medical Center found that an existing drug can revive immune cells paralyzed by sepsis, a leading cause of death in ICUs. The study provides new perspectives for the treatment of sepsis and may lead to potential treatments for patients with immune paralysis.
Researchers found a strong correlation between the occurrence of dog and human valley fever cases. The study mapped positive results by location, showing valley fever spread from 2.4% of U.S. counties to 12.4% in 2022.
The new season of The Last of Us explores the real-life characteristics of cordyceps, including its airborne spore method of infection. Researchers like Dr. Jim Kronstad highlight the warming climate as a potential contributor to the spread of harmful fungi.
A University of Maryland study reveals that young plants face a hidden trade-off between fighting disease and growing, leading to reduced reproductive fitness. Plants with stronger disease resistance as seedlings produce fewer flowers and seeds over their lifetime.
The American College of Chest Physicians' CHEST Critical Care and CHEST Pulmonary journals have been indexed in Elsevier's Scopus database. This achievement is a testament to the high-quality research published in these journals, which provide open access content in pulmonary and critical care medicine.
Researchers uncover a novel immune mechanism by which wheat tandem kinase proteins (TKPs) combat pathogen invasion, establishing a new paradigm for cooperation between TKPs and NLR proteins. The discovery offers a foundation for engineering crop varieties with broad-spectrum pathogen resistance.
A study found that agricultural antifungals, like TBZ, can cause genomic changes in the infectious yeast Candida tropicalis, increasing its resistance. This increase in resistance poses a growing concern for human infections, as many pathogens are becoming resistant to antifungal medicines.
Preet Chaudhary and Michael Selsted, USC innovators, recognized by the National Academy of Inventors for their work on harnessing the power of the immune system. Their research aims to develop new treatments for diseases such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and sepsis.
A multicenter study found targeted next-generation sequencing to significantly outperform traditional culture methods in detecting urinary tract infections, including polymicrobial cases. The method's detection time was notably shorter, with high concordance rates for both culture-positive and negative samples.
Researchers are analyzing volatile chemicals emitted from grape leaves infected by a fungus called powdery mildew to improve training for vineyard canines. The study aims to identify key odor molecules that trigger the response in dogs, enabling more sensitive and accurate mildew identification.
Researchers at The Lundquist Institute have developed an antibody called VX-01 that targets the fungus Mucorales and prevents it from damaging human cells and blood vessels. Early tests show that VX-01 is safe and effective in fighting mucormycosis, a disease with high mortality rates among those with weakened immune systems.
Researchers found that lemon leafcutter ants increase their cleaning behavior one week and a month after initial contact with a pathogenic fungus, but not after 60 days. The ants recognize the pathogen and recruit more workers to fight it even after multiple re-exposures, indicating a social immune memory.
A breakthrough CRISPR-based test has been developed to diagnose Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP), a life-threatening fungal infection. The test detects RNA from live fungi in blood samples and throat swabs, providing a faster and more accurate diagnosis than current invasive bronchoscopy procedures.
Researchers found that an endophytic fungus boosts poplars' natural defenses and those induced by insect damage, altering the plant's chemical defense profile and supporting it with a self-produced defense substance. The fungus also influences interactions between insect populations living on trees.
This study identified PIBP4, a PRA protein, as a crucial component of the PigmR-mediated immune signaling pathway in rice. The absence of PIBP4 and its interacting partner OsRab5a compromised blast resistance by disrupting PigmR's microdomain localization.
A new global guideline has been published to manage fungal infections caused by Candida, affecting millions worldwide annually. The guideline establishes standards for prevention, diagnosis, and innovative treatment approaches.
A fungal infection has been shown to trigger a fruit fly's own immune system to destroy brain cells leading to signs of neurodegeneration. The fungus makes the fly's innate immune system release Sarm, which suppresses the immune response and kills brain cells.
A new blood test developed at Stanford Medicine has shown to accurately diagnose invasive mold disease in most cases, replacing invasive procedures. The test detects genetic material from mold in the bloodstream, allowing for faster diagnosis and treatment, which has been linked to improved patient outcomes.
Researchers explore structural and functional characteristics of Russula vinosa Lindblad polysaccharides, finding potential applications in pharmaceuticals and functional foods. The study reveals that structural differences between polysaccharides influence immunomodulatory activities.
A new fungus, Gibellula attenboroughii, has been identified in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, infecting orb-weaving cave spiders. The fungus manipulates the spider's behavior, causing it to leave its lair and migrate to die in exposed situations.
Researchers have identified the pathogens and diagnostic tests for the two diseases, revolutionizing cassava disease management in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia. The study, published in peer-reviewed journals, marks a significant milestone in fighting the spread of these devastating diseases.
Researchers warn of environmental risks posed by snakes and insects in imported ornamental plants, calling for improved regulations and sustainable practices. The study highlights the difficulty of monitoring and controlling pests due to high-volume trade, posing a threat to ecosystems and human health.
A study by North Carolina State University reveals the global spread of powdery mildew fungus in blueberries, with a cost range of $47 million to $530 million annually to the industry. The disease is caused by the Erysiphe vaccinii fungus and has been found on multiple continents since its introduction in 2012.
Researchers discovered that RNA modifications enable fungi to evade drug treatment and become temporarily resistant. This finding could lead to better treatment options against fungal infections by targeting specific RNA modification mechanisms.
Researchers have identified a new pathway for ergosterol biosynthesis in Leishmania parasites, paving the way for more effective antiparasitic drugs. The discovery reveals that azole antifungals targeting a specific enzyme can be highly effective against leishmaniasis.
A six-year study examining 38 clinical isolates of Cryptococcus found genes and gene alleles associated with disease severity. The research aims to develop new treatments targeting these genetic variations, predicting disease outcomes and improving patient care.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that the fungal pathogen causing coffee wilt disease took up segments of DNA from a related species, F. oxysporum, contributing to successive outbreaks. This horizontal gene transfer event likely contributed to the repeated emergence of the disease on the African continent.
A new study found that climate warming can increase the severity of bacterial infections in cold-blooded animals like corals, insects, and fish. The researchers analyzed data from 60 experimental studies and found that infected animals were more likely to die when exposed to higher temperatures.
A yeast called Kazachstania pintolopesii is found to be exceptionally well adapted to mice, boosting their immune protection against parasites while also enhancing their vulnerability to some allergies. This fungus is a true commensal, rapidly colonizing the gastrointestinal tracts of laboratory mice and evading antifungal immunity.
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing threat in Detroit, requiring immediate attention from the community. Health experts recommend educating oneself about responsible antibiotic use and adopting practices such as hand hygiene and vaccination.
Researchers identified a protein that inhibits human defense mechanisms and allows fungal growth. The study suggests that the lack of this enzyme makes the fungus more prone to elimination by the immune system.
A groundbreaking metagenomic sequencing test has proven effective in rapidly diagnosing almost any kind of pathogen, including viruses, bacteria, fungus or parasite. The test analyzes all nucleic acids present in a sample, replacing multiple tests with a single one and speeding up diagnosis.