Articles tagged with Fungal Infections
Research suggests that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can increase the risk of contracting HIV by activating Langerhans cells in the skin and vagina. This activation allows the virus to spread more easily, highlighting the potential for anti-inflammatory treatments to prevent HIV transmission.
Researchers at A*STAR's IMCB have identified peptidoglycan as a factor that causes Candida albicans to become infectious. The discovery may lead to the development of novel treatments for immunocompromised patients infected by the fungus.
Researchers have discovered a genetic variation in the plasminogen gene that affects susceptibility to invasive Aspergillus fumigatus infections. Genetic testing may help identify high-risk individuals and inform pre- and post-transplant care.
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund has awarded $7 million to 14 researchers studying infectious diseases. The award aims to encourage multidisciplinary approaches to understanding host-pathogen interactions.
Scientists have developed a new way to estimate the total number of protein interactions in organisms, revealing that humans have approximately 10 times more protein interactions than fruit flies. This study contradicts previous comparisons based on gene numbers, which suggested that humans and fruit flies are relatively similar.
Researchers found a small protein secreted by some fungal strains can suppress tomato disease resistance genes, but a third gene targets this protein, rendering the plant fully immune. The study provides a new strategy for durable disease control based on resistance gene combinations.
A team of researchers has identified a molecular switch controlling multidrug resistance in fungi, which could lead to novel therapies for resistant fungal infections. The discovery was made using genetic, biochemical, and molecular approaches, and found to be similar to the regulatory switches controlling drug detoxification in humans.
Researchers awarded $2.4 million NEI grant to study corneal infection (keratitis) caused by disease-causing fungi on contact lenses and in the environment. The team will focus on Fusarium solani, a fungus that causes eye infections in warm, humid areas.
Job's syndrome sufferers lack Th17 cells, a type of infection-fighting white blood cell, leading to recurrent and severe infections. The study reveals the importance of Th17 cells in protecting against Staphylococcus bacteria and certain fungal infections.
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a gene that guards all grass species against a devastating fungus, which can destroy crops vital for human food supplies. The naturally occurring disease resistance has allowed grasses to thrive for 60 million years.
A systematic review of over 5,500 patients found that both single-drug antifungal prophylaxis (SAP) and selective digestive tract decontamination (SDD) reduce yeast-related morbidity and mortality. SDD was more effective in reducing yeast colonization and infection, while SAP responded best to candidemia.
Researchers have discovered how Candida albicans transforms from its benign form to an infectious, life-threatening state. The fungus changes shape and activates cellular machineries through specific proteins, revealing new therapeutic targets.
A new topical lotion has shown high degree of safety and tolerability in treating toenail fungus. The treatment avoids systemic absorption, reducing risks of cardiac and liver toxicity associated with current oral medications.
Researchers have identified the specific gene implicated in Job's syndrome, a rare immunodeficiency disorder characterized by harmful bacterial and fungal infections. The discovery could benefit treatment for other immunodeficiency diseases and provide new leads for therapies.
Gene deletion study shows Candida parapsilosis growth and virulence reduced without lipase activity, suggesting enzyme's key role in pathogenicity for immunocompromised individuals and premature infants
Most women who think they have a vaginal yeast infection actually don't, according to Saint Louis University researcher Susan Hoffstetter. Women are often misdiagnosed and treat themselves with anti-fungal medicine, worsening symptoms.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham discovered that Aspergillus nidulans fungi can reproduce sexually without a partner. This 'DIY reproduction' allows individuals to produce new offspring by activating internal sexual machinery, bypassing traditional mating.
The University of Florida is leading a $9 million NIH-funded research project to better understand the life-threatening Aspergillus fungus, which affects cancer patients and transplant recipients. The repository will support research on developing accurate tests for detection, with goals to improve diagnostic accuracy and speed.
Researchers discovered that neutrophils recognize and respond to a specific form of sugar called beta-1,6-glucan on the surface of fungi, which elicits a stronger reaction than another sugar with similar chemical properties. This unique sugar may help stimulate the immune system and combat deadly pathogens.
The LSUHSC School of Dentistry will lead a $3.3 million institute for infectious disease research, creating an educational component for Louisiana students and an intellectual stimulation program for faculty. The Clinical and Translational Research Education and Commercialization Program will support clinical research at the institutio...
Researchers have discovered a new compound called AN2690 that effectively treats fungal infections by blocking protein synthesis. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new antibacterial compounds to combat antibiotic resistance.
A recent study by University of Cincinnati researchers suggests that early exposure to indoor fungal components can help build stronger immune systems and protect against future allergies. Infants exposed to high levels of fungal glucans were nearly three times less likely to wheeze compared to those with low levels.
A new treatment, micafungin, has been shown to be equally effective as existing treatments in treating Candida-related infections. With fewer side effects, micafungin is a promising alternative for first-line therapy of candidemia and invasive candidosis.
A new drug delivery method developed by UBC researcher Kishor M. Wasan has shown promising results in treating devastating fungal infections, including candidemia and aspergillosis, with minimal toxic side effects compared to traditional intravenous administration.
James Kronstad's research focuses on smut fungi, a group of pathogens that infect crop plants. He discovered the method used by these fungi to invade plants and shut down seed production, paving the way for the development of targeted fungicides.
A French study suggests modifying therapeutic treatment for individuals with cryptococcosis based on patient sex, serotype, and fungal load. The study found that patients with a high fungal load should receive initial therapy combining two antifungals.
Researchers find vitamin D3 plays a role in immune response after skin wounds, inducing expression of antimicrobial peptides. Genetic variation linked to schizophrenia may be associated with increased expression of DARPP-32, influencing brain communication.
A systematic review found that over half of health-care workers in low- and middle-income countries have latent TB. The disease rates among HCWs were substantially higher than those in the general population. Research is needed to determine if control measures that reduced transmission in high-income countries will work elsewhere.
Researchers discovered a potential strategy for treating metastatic melanoma by combining an antibody with radiation, leveraging insights from studying a fungus that causes infection in people with AIDS. The treatment approach shows promise in inhibiting tumor growth and inducing regression in mice with small melanoma tumors.
A recent discovery sheds light on fungi's evolution from water to land, revealing diverse mechanisms of spore dispersal and new tools for medicine and industry. The research provides a deeper understanding of these organisms' roles in nature and their potential applications.
A study documents a sharp increase in Fusarium keratitis cases among contact lens wearers in Singapore, with nearly all patients wearing soft lenses and using ReNu brand cleaning solution. The outbreak has led to severe, sight-threatening lesions requiring hospitalization and corneal transplantation.
A total of 34 cases of fungal keratitis were reported among soft contact lens wearers, with all cases caused by the fungus Fusarium. The average age of patients was 34.9 years, and most used ReNu brand contact lens solution.
A team of scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has discovered a master molecular sensor embedded in spores of six related fungi that triggers their transformation into pathogenic yeasts. This finding could lead to new treatments and possibly vaccines for diseases caused by these microbes.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have identified a single gene crucial to the rice-killing fungus's ability to infect plants. The discovery could lead to the development of effective chemicals to combat the devastating disease, which affects half of the world's population and kills enough rice to feed 60 million people annually.
Researchers discovered that a novel role for reactive oxygen species in regulating the fungus-grass symbiotic relationship can help engineer resistance to crop pathogens. A single gene mutation in the E. festucae noxA gene triggered the switch, resulting in increased fungal growth and stunted plant growth.
A new experimental TB drug, FAS20013, has demonstrated effective treatment against both resistant and latent mycobacterium tuberculosis. The compound's potent killing activity targets slow-growing mycobacteria without enhancing resistance, offering a potential breakthrough in treating MDR-TB with up to 80% fatality rate.
Scientists report a rapid spread of the deadly fungus chytridiomycosis across Central America, leading to widespread amphibian extinctions. The fungus has been linked to declines of over 40 species in Central America and 93 worldwide, with a recent outbreak causing local extinctions in Panama.
Two studies found that CO2 senses are crucial for fungi C. albicans and C. neoformans to adapt to different environments. The enzymes adenylyl cyclases mediate CO2-dependent filamentation and capsule biosynthesis in these pathogens.
Researchers have discovered how plants use genes to fight off powdery mildew disease, a common fungal infection that affects over 9,000 species of plants. By disabling protective genes in Arabidopsis thaliana, the researchers found that a complex gene system can signal cell death and spare healthy cells from infection.
Researchers found that macrophages from TB patients have high levels of DC-SIGN, a protein that helps Mycobacterium tuberculosis infect lung cells. Infection with TB causes nearby uninfected cells to also express DC-SIGN, making them more susceptible to infection.
A Lancet study found that Pfizer's Vfend is an effective alternative to a two-drug candidemia regimen, with comparable efficacy but fewer serious side effects. The treatment was found to be more tolerable, particularly in reducing renal toxicity and visual disturbances.
A retrospective analysis of patients with invasive aspergillosis showed that those who initially received Pfizer's antifungal agent VFEND had better survival rates and were less likely to need salvage therapy than those on amphotericin B. The study found that patients who started on VFEND also had higher success rates in switching to o...
A recent study by the University of Manchester discovered that pillows can contain a substantial fungal load, with some samples having over 1 million fungal spores per pillow. The research highlights the potential for fungal contamination to exacerbate respiratory diseases like asthma and sinusitis in adults.
Researchers found that mating between two less harmful fungal strains of the same sex produced a more virulent form, which has taken hold and is spreading. The fungus, C. gattii, infects individuals with normal immunity, causing symptoms like persistent headaches and coughing.
Researchers found that the fatty acid DHA decreases levels of Abeta peptides associated with Alzheimer disease and upregulates neuroprotectin D1, an endogenous messenger inhibiting apoptosis triggered by these peptides. Additionally, studies revealed beryllium-specific T cells determine immune responses in exposed workers and apoptosis...
A new vaccine made of a sugar-like molecule called beta-glucan protected rodents from fatal fungal infections by triggering the production of anti-beta-glucan antibodies. The vaccine, combining beta-glucan with diptheria toxin, showed promising results in rodent trials.
Research reveals fungal microbes use tandem repeats in genes to change protein conformations, evading the immune system and causing diseases. The study also explains why certain beers are cloudy or clear, providing new insights into brewing.
Researchers have identified 141 distinct proteins in the healthy human cornea, including classical blood proteins and anti-angiogenic factors. This comprehensive protein study may lead to future therapeutics for various corneal disorders, improving clinical classifications and potentially generating artificial corneas for transplantation.
Researchers discover Aspergillus fumigatus has genes required for sexual reproduction, affecting disease control and potential antifungal drug resistance. The fungus's common presence in compost heaps may be a hotbed of fungal sex.
Researchers found nearly equal proportions of two different sexes in a worldwide collection of 290 specimens, indicating recent evolutionary history of sexual activity. This discovery could lead to new strains with increased ability to cause disease and infect humans.
Researchers identified an enzyme called MAP kinase as a crucial player in the fungus' attack, triggering cellular communication necessary for fungal invasion. Understanding this process is essential to develop new fungicides or resistant rice plants.
A comprehensive annotation of Candida albicans genome paves way for improved diagnostics and therapies. The 6,354 gene annotation will aid in understanding the yeast's role in human diseases.
A blood-based TB test, QuantiFERON-TB-Gold, has been shown to match the results of the traditional tuberculin skin test among Indian healthcare workers. The study found a high level of agreement between the two tests, with only minor impact from previous TB vaccination.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found that members of the same sex can mate and produce offspring in the infectious fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. This novel type of sexual cycle allows for genetic exchange between individuals, potentially providing an advantage for the fungus.
Researchers found that urine's limited niacin triggers Candida glabrata's adhesion-promoting genes, allowing it to stick to host cells. The study provides insights into the mechanism of C. glabrata's adherence to mucosal tissues and blood vessels.
A new study found that light therapy, combined with anti-fungal treatments, can effectively combat various fungal infections, particularly those affecting the skin or nails. The research also sheds light on early fungal evolution and the role of light in fungal development.
A case report reveals a traveller from a tsunami-affected region developed mucormycosis, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and treatment. The study suggests that travellers repatriated from affected areas can serve as predictors of infections in survivors.
Researchers have sequenced the genomes of two closely related strains of Cryptococcus neoformans, a fungus that causes life-threatening infections in people with impaired immunity. The study revealed surprising similarities between the two strains, despite their different levels of virulence.
Heavy marijuana smokers face an increased risk of respiratory problems and are more likely to require medical services for these issues. The study suggests that the additive effect of marijuana on lung health is a significant concern for public health.
Researchers found that the fungal genome's sex-determining region shares similarities with the human Y chromosome, including cluster formation of functionally related genes. This discovery may provide insight into infertility in fungi and humans, as well as disease mechanisms in C. neoformans.