Articles tagged with Fungal Infections
A collaborative EU-funded project aims to discover and develop novel antifungal drugs to combat drug-resistant fungal infections, which kill two million people annually. The NOFUN project brings together partners to accelerate development of broad-spectrum antifungal agents with new modes of action.
Scientists have developed a palm-sized microarray platform that can grow up to 1,200 individual cultures of fungi or bacteria. This technology has the potential to accelerate drug discovery for treating various types of infections.
Seeds passed through small-billed Elaenia birds emerged with reduced fungal load and odor that attracts ants, increasing survival rates. The study found a prime example of the benefits of seed dispersal mutualism between plants and animals.
Frank Leo van de Veerdonk has received a 2013 ICAAC Young Investigator Award for his groundbreaking research on fungal immunology. He discovered that mutations in STAT1 are responsible for autosomal dominant chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, a major breakthrough in diagnosing immunodeficiencies with fungal infections.
A study of contaminated steroid injections found that even asymptomatic patients can have fungal infections. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect infection, especially in those who received highly contaminated injections.
A study found that MRI screening at the injection site can detect fungal spinal and paraspinal infections earlier, allowing for timely medical and surgical treatment. The researchers recommend obtaining contrast-enhanced MRI of the injection site in patients with persistent back pain.
A two-year study by Oregon State University and the University of Pittsburgh found that bullfrogs can both carry and die from a deadly chytrid fungus. The research suggests that bullfrogs may not be the primary hosts for this pathogen, contrary to previous assumptions.
A 'hybrid' surveillance strategy, combining public health and clinical efforts, helped Virginia respond effectively to the contaminated steroid crisis. The approach involved close coordination between public health officials and healthcare providers, allowing for efficient tracking of nearly 700 exposed residents.
Researchers sequenced DNA of fungi at skin sites to define normal populations and provide framework for investigating fungal skin conditions. The study found that feet, including toenails, heels, and toe webs, contain tremendous diversity of fungi.
African clawed frogs in California are found to carry a deadly fungal infection that has led to the decline or extinction of some 200 amphibian species worldwide. The fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatis, is transmitted through water and can cause skin thickening, electrolyte imbalance, and brain swelling.
Researchers demonstrate rapid and sensitive identification of specific Candida species directly from whole blood using T2Candida, reducing mortality rate to 11%. The breakthrough approach enables fast detection in approximately three hours, outperforming current gold standard methods.
Researchers found that at least three fungi cause horseradish disease: Verticillium dahlia, V. longisporum, and Fusarium solani. However, new species F. commune has been linked to the condition, with 83% of infected roots developing root rot. Growers can use IPM techniques to manage the disease.
A new study warns that inadequate funding for disease resistance research could lead to the spread of deadly Ug99 stem rust, threatening millions with affordable access to food. The University of Minnesota estimates that $51 million a year is needed to combat the disease.
Researchers from U of T and SickKids Research Institute have successfully mapped the genome of the Ophiostoma ulmi fungus that causes Dutch Elm Disease, a devastating elm tree disease. The findings aim to help scientists develop strategies to prevent the fungus from destroying elm trees.
The BBSRC has awarded funding to two projects: the Nornex consortium, studying the molecular and cellular basis of interactions between the fungus and ash trees, and Professor Christopher Gilligan's team, developing computer models to predict the spread of ash dieback in the UK.
A new study investigates the connection between amphibian social habits and a fungus called Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, which causes Chytridiomycosis. The researchers aim to understand how behavior affects the spread of the disease in California's slender salamander populations.
A $1.7 million grant will fund research on biofilm formation in dental stomatitis, a fungal infection affecting 50-75% of denture wearers. The study aims to determine the role of biofilms in disease development and develop novel immunotherapies targeting biofilm growth.
Researchers identified stable haploid strains of Candida albicans, enabling the targeting of individual genes for screening and speeding up the discovery of treatment targets. This breakthrough fills a 100-year gap in understanding this important pathogen's life cycle and may accelerate efforts to cure Candida infections.
Candida albicans, a common human fungus, has been found to possess the ability of sexual reproduction through haploid isolates. This breakthrough could provide insights into how it evolves and transform from harmless to deadly. The discovery also paves the way for genetic studies and potentially modified diploid strains.
Women with NTM infections show a weaker immune response linked to their body fat levels. The study also found that tall and thin individuals share characteristics with Marfan syndrome, suggesting a genetic link to increased susceptibility.
A fast-growing flesh-eating fungus, Apophysomyces, killed five people after a massive tornado devastated Joplin, Missouri. The fungus, usually harmless, can cause severe infections if not treated immediately, leading to rapid tissue destruction and organ failure.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered a natural fungus, Beauveria bassiana, that can effectively control bed bugs. The study found that the fungus infects and kills bed bugs within five days, even when they are in close proximity to uninfected individuals.
Physicians are facing the challenge of providing early treatment for fungal meningitis as cases continue to rise. The University of Michigan Health System physician authors recommend a high dose of voriconazole, but note the risk of visual disturbances, confusion, and liver test abnormalities. To avoid these effects, reducing the drug'...
New research from the Trudeau Institute reveals a negative feedback loop regulating immune response to bacteria, preventing tissue damage while controlling bacterial growth. The study's findings have potential applications in improving prevention and treatment strategies for bacterial infections.
A recent study published in BMJ Quality & Safety found that misdiagnosis is alarmingly common in the ICU, with 28% of patients having at least one missed diagnosis at death. The most common fatal flaws included infections and vascular maladies, such as heart attack and stroke.
David M. Tobin has made significant contributions to TB meningitis treatment and is developing new approaches to tackle drug-resistant TB. His work uses zebrafish models to probe host genetic determinants of susceptibility to mycobacterial infection.
Researchers analyzed fungal genomes and transcriptomes to understand how lifestyle affects gene expression and host specificity. They discovered new functions for fungal infection organs, including sensing the presence of plants.
Researchers used 99mTc-HMPAO-WBC SPECT/CT to diagnose infectious endocarditis in hard-to-diagnose cases, achieving high sensitivity and specificity. The test detected septic embolism in 41% of patients, aiding physicians in diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers at Texas A&M University discovered that the antidepressant sertraline hydrochloride (ZOLOFT) exhibits potent mechanisms against Cryptococcus neoformans, the major causative agent of fungal meningitis. The study suggests that ZOLOFT could be repurposed as a treatment option for this deadly infection.
Researchers discovered that Candida albicans can distinguish between healthy and unhealthy hosts by altering its physiology based on the levels of protein Efg1p. In immunocompromised patients, fungal cells with lower levels of this protein thrive, leading to serious infections.
Scientists at the University of Exeter have identified a specialized group of proteins called septins in plant infection for the first time. The discovery sheds light on how the rice blast fungus channels its pressure to form an infection peg that breaches the rice leaf surface, enabling it to infect rice tissue.
Studies found that DNA damage activates NF-κB, a transcription factor driving cellular aging. Inflammation was also linked to oxidative stress, senescence, and degenerative changes caused by aging. Meanwhile, social isolation disrupted neurotransmission in young rodents, affecting AMPA receptor delivery and synaptic function.
Researchers discovered that fungi inhabit the large intestine and play a role in inflammatory diseases like ulcerative colitis. The study identified a protein called Dectin-1, which helps protect against inflammation caused by indigenous fungi.
Researchers discovered that giant cells called titan cells protect the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans during infection, shielding it from the immune system. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments for infections caused by Cryptococcus, a deadly concern for immunocompromised individuals.
A hyperparasitic fungus has been found to effectively combat the zombie-ant fungus, limiting its spread and survival. The research model shows that only about 6.5% of spore-producing organs were viable, suggesting a smaller threat to ant colonies.
A new study published in PLoS ONE found that the fungal infection leads to deadly dehydration in wild frogs, causing cardiac arrest and death. The research confirms what researchers have seen in lab experiments, providing a better understanding of how the disease progresses and suggesting potential treatments for infected frogs.
Fungal infections destroy over 125 million tonnes of crops annually, equivalent to $60 billion in damages. New fungal diseases also threaten the extinction of over 500 species of amphibian and endangered animals, posing a significant threat to global food security and biodiversity.
A new population of lab mice developed by Tel Aviv University offers 1,000 genetic strains for research into human diseases. This increase in genetic diversity enables researchers to identify gene associations within two to three years, compared to the previous 10-15 year timeframe.
Researchers found that ants' social contact with sick ants promotes disease protection in their group members through low-level micro-infections. This social mechanism enables colonies to recover more rapidly from infections.
Research from North Carolina State University reveals that honey bees increase propolis collection by 45% when infected with harmful fungi, providing a natural antifungal agent to protect their colony. The bees also physically remove infected larvae to prevent fungal spores from spreading.
Scientists at the University of Toronto have found a molecular mechanism that controls the transition of Candida albicans from yeast to fungus under elevated temperatures. This new pathway highlights the importance of heat in fungal growth and provides a potential target for drug therapies.
Research reveals Pacific chorus frogs are effective carriers of deadly chytridiomycosis, surviving infection with high levels of infection. The species' unique skin feature allows it to carry the disease without showing symptoms, contributing to its spread.
Scientists discovered that silver nanoparticles effectively kill hard-to-treat yeast infections, including oral thrush and dental stomatitis. The nanoparticles' stability in liquid medium makes them a potential strategy for developing alternative treatments.
A research team has found that opportunistic fungi like Candida albicans can sense the immune status of host cells and adapt to evade immune system defenses. The study reveals that these fungi bind to a key immune signaling molecule, Interleukin 17A, allowing them to survive and even cause disease in immunosuppressed patients.
Pablo Sobrado's research focuses on developing enzyme inhibitors to combat tropical diseases. He aims to identify specific inhibitors against enzymes crucial for pathogenesis in several human diseases.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have debunked a widely held misconception about an often-prescribed drug, discovering that it works by binding to a lipid molecule essential to yeast's physiology. This finding could lead to better treatments for fungal infections and diseases caused by ion channel deficiencies.
A study by Penn State researchers found Fusarium fungus in nearly 70% of sink drains, posing a significant health risk. The fungus can cause opportunistic and fatal infections, particularly among individuals with compromised immune systems.
A toxin produced by Mycoplasma pneumoniae has been found to initiate and intensify asthma and other allergic airway diseases in humans, animals, and patients. The discovery is supported by a $11.5 million grant and provides new insights into the role of chronic infectious states in lung disease.
New research reveals that Candida tropicalis can mate sexually, contrary to its long-held reputation as an asexual organism. This discovery may allow the species to evolve faster and develop increased virulence or drug resistance.
A new report highlights the global impact of medical misdiagnosis, revealing over a million people diagnosed with TB develop an incurable but manageable fungal infection. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) can progress slowly and may lie undetected for years until symptoms appear.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered that bacteria and fungi work together to aid movement and survival. Fungal spores can attach to bacteria, allowing them to travel further, while the bacteria use fungi as natural bridges to overcome obstacles.
Researchers have identified six yeast-killing peptides that target Malassezia sympodialis without harming human skin cells. These peptides could provide a potential new treatment for atopic eczema, increasing patients' quality of life. Further study is needed to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
The university will conduct research on deciphering and controlling the signaling processes in bacterial multicellular systems and bacteria-host interactions. This study aims to understand persister formation in biofilm development and manipulate the multicellular and inter-kingdom signaling processes.
A University of Tennessee researcher has discovered that the fungus Geomyces destructans is the causal agent of White-nose Syndrome, a fungal disease decimating North America's bat population. The study found that exposure to G. destructans causes WNS in healthy bats and can be transmitted through direct contact.
Agricultural Research Service scientist Yulin Jia characterized the molecular mechanism of some plants' ability to resist rice blast, a fungal disease affecting cereal grain crops. He also mapped two major blast-resistance genes from a Chinese rice cultivar, which have been reported in several scientific journals.
Researchers at Oregon State University found that increased species richness decreases the prevalence and severity of infection caused by the deadly chytrid fungus in amphibians. This study provides evidence for the importance of biodiversity in protecting ecosystem function and reducing disease transmission.
A new combination therapy has been developed to target fungal infections in implanted medical devices, effectively clearing biofilm-based infections. The therapy inhibits a protein called Hsp90, rendering antifungals effective against biofilms, offering hope for patients with device-related infections.
Fungi such as Candida albicans are resisting the latest antifungal drugs due to their ability to alter cell wall structure. The use of echinocandins, which target beta-glucan enzyme, is being re-evaluated in light of this resistance.
Researchers have identified the key features in yeast cells that allow them to colonize human tissue, paving the way for new treatments. A new class of medicines and vaccines is being developed to combat drug-resistant fungal infections.
A recent study from Duke University Medical Center reveals that Cryptococcus gattii is more commonly found in AIDS patients than previously thought. This distinction could lead to differences in treatment and clinical outcomes, as C. gattii may exhibit resistance to commonly used antifungal drugs.