Articles tagged with Fungal Infections
Researchers have found that Mycobacterium tuberculosis recruits more macrophages to granulomas despite the host's defense mechanisms, suggesting a new strategy in mycobacterial infection. The study used zebrafish embryos to visualize cell recruitment into granulomas and identified the RD1 genetic region as crucial for virulence.
Researchers found evidence of chytrid fungus persistence in surviving populations of Taudactylus eungellensis, a species that had suffered a massive decline. The study suggests that frog populations can persist with an endemic infection of the fungus, challenging the assumption that infected populations are wiped out.
Researchers in Australia have discovered that frog populations of critically endangered species can persist with stable fungal infections, challenging the role of a deadly disease in their declines. The study found no evidence that survival differed between infected and uninfected frogs, suggesting coexistence rather than devastating i...
Researchers at Rice University have discovered the genetic basis of Candida's defense mechanism against nitric oxide, a key player in slowing down yeast growth. The study identifies a specific gene that allows Candida to sense NO levels and ramp up its defenses, providing a potential target for new drug therapies.
Researchers discovered a crucial protein, S14, that regulates ribosome assembly in yeast. The findings offer a potential target for designing drugs to interfere with the process.
CZEN-002 demonstrated anti-infective and anti-inflammatory properties, with 88.2% of subjects showing efficacy in potassium hydroxide tests and mycological cultures. The treatment was well-tolerated with no significant changes from baseline vital signs.
A clinical trial of 370 patients found that Pfizer's VFEND was as effective as the two-drug standard of amphotericin B and fluconazole in treating Candidemia. The treatment successfully cleared Candida from the blood, with a response rate of 41% at 12 weeks.
Vazquez-Torres is a leading researcher studying how Candida and Salmonella cause disease, and how the body fights off these pathogens. He has discovered new pathways by which cells can sample the intestinal lumen, migrate to the spleen, and trigger systemic immune responses.
The sequencing of Ashbya's genome has shed light on the evolution of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and provided insight into fundamental features responsible for fungal disease. The fungus' compact genome contains 4,718 protein-coding genes, with over 90% similarity to yeast.
Researchers have discovered a novel approach to combat Cryptococcus neoformans and Histoplasma capsulatum, two fungi responsible for serious diseases. Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) utilizes designer antibodies coupled with radioactive isotopes to deliver targeted radiation, demonstrating superior efficacy over external gamma radiation.
A new study by University of Michigan researchers suggests the risk for recurrent yeast infections is related to a woman's immune response to the yeast. Women who have had cunnilingus or masturbation with saliva in the past month were more likely to develop recurrent yeast infections.
A study by Duke University researchers found that a fungus's ability to breach the immune system is linked to an enzyme called flavohemoglobin. The team discovered that this enzyme plays a crucial role in defending against nitric oxide produced by the immune system, and that disabling it can significantly reduce fungal virulence.
The completed genomic sequence of Fusarium graminearum, a fungus causing widespread damage to wheat and barley crops, offers a roadmap for developing new control methods. Researchers will focus on understanding gene function to unravel mechanisms to combat this devastating pathogen.
A new clinical trial shows that antifungal prophylaxis with itraconazole reduces fungal infection risk in children with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). The study found a statistically significant reduction in cases, suggesting the addition of itraconazole to treatment regimens.
Researchers found that combining amiodarone with antifungal agents miconazole and fluconazole kills more fungi than expected, making it a promising treatment for severe fungal infections. The unique mechanism of action disrupts calcium balance in fungal cells, leading to their death.
Researchers are investigating more virulent forms of fungi to improve understanding of how fungal pathogens interact with the immune system. Studies have shown that genetic mutations can lead to increased virulence in yeasts like Candida albicans, highlighting the need for new anti-fungal drugs.
Scientists have identified a novel step in the formation of prions, proteins that cause neurodegenerative diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and chronic wasting disease. By inhibiting this conversion with compounds blocking free sulfhydryl groups, researchers may be able to develop a therapeutic strategy against prion disease.
A recent study by Emory University and CDC found a significant increase in sepsis cases and deaths in the US over a 22-year period. The study suggests that factors such as antibiotic resistance, invasive procedures, and improvements in care among immunocompromised individuals are contributing to this trend.
Researchers found naturally occurring fungi effective in controlling plant mites and powdery mildew diseases without chemical pesticides. This breakthrough reduces costs and environmental damage associated with traditional pest control methods.
Researchers at Zengen developed a 'super peptide' that kills Candida albicans with high candidacidal activity, outperforming existing antimicrobial peptides. The discovery may help understand the unique mechanism of action of a-MSH peptides and unlock new treatments for fungal infections.
A study in Greenland found that atopy increased by nearly 100% between 1987 and 1998, affecting all age groups. The rise in allergies is linked to a transition from traditional to modern society in Greenland.
A new compound derived from baker's yeast has been shown to significantly increase the survival rate of mice infected with lethal anthrax spores. The study found that mice treated with the compound survived at a rate of 75-100%, compared to just 30-50% in mice given a placebo.
The Karnal bunt pathogen faces challenges in reproducing over long distances, leading to declining small populations instead of growth. Researchers found that a critical mass is needed for the population to function well and invade new areas.
A new study by Emory University and CDC reveals a surge in sepsis cases across the US, with significant increases in hospitalizations among specific demographics. The incidence of sepsis rose in both children and adults over a 20-year period, with gram-positive infections becoming more prevalent.
Researchers have discovered three promising microorganisms that can infect and kill termites, providing a potential solution for termite infestations. The microorganisms appear to work by breaking down the termites' bodies through enzymatic degradation mechanisms.
A team of UB researchers has discovered a novel peptide in human saliva with potent antimicrobial activity against various types of bacteria and fungi, including drug-resistant strains. The peptide, labeled MUC7 20-mer, shows activity at very low concentrations and little toxicity to mammalian cells.
A recent study found that nearly 33% of women misdiagnose themselves with vulvovaginal candidiasis, a yeast infection, while 19% actually had bacterial vaginosis. Dr. Daron G. Ferris suggests that women first see their doctor for confirmation before using over-the-counter treatments.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have traced cellular pathways that enhance the action of antifungal drugs used to treat fungal infections in people with compromised immune systems. Combining fluconazole with cyclosporin or FK506 was found to potently kill fungal cells, and the team elucidated the molecular targets involved.
Researchers developed a dendritic cell-based vaccination that targets opportunistic fungal infections, offering hope for prevention and treatment of these infections. The vaccine demonstrated promise in preclinical studies, paving the way for further investigation and potential clinical implementation.
Researchers at Newcastle University have discovered a purple potato variety that shows promise in resisting the devastating potato blight disease. The variety, grown commercially without using chemicals, could significantly impact the supply of organically-grown potatoes, improving availability and reducing costs for farmers.
A study found that an oral immune-enhancing nutritional supplement improved preoperative host defence, reduced postoperative infections, and preserved renal function in elderly and high-risk patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass. The supplement contained L-arginine, 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and yeast RNA.
Researchers found that trout can spread a fungus, Saprolegnia ferax, to western toad embryos, leading to high mortality rates. Discontinuing fish-stocking may not be enough to control the spread of this disease, according to the study.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute found key gene FLO11 required for fungal biofilm formation, which can cause serious infections in hip replacements. The discovery offers hope for preventing such infections in the future by understanding how fungi stick to plastic surfaces.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded a $15.11 million grant to researchers developing new drugs for African sleeping sickness and leishmaniasis. The five-year project aims to create a world-class academic and scientific consortium to target these two parasitic diseases, which kill millions of people in developing nations.
Researchers have uncovered a biological program that prevents the development of pathogenic fungi under nitrogen-poor conditions. The unfolded protein response (UPR) mediates this morphological response and can be targeted to develop new anti-fungal therapies.
Scientists have developed a live recombinant vaccine that protects against a fungal infection in mice, using recombinant DNA technology. The vaccine is safer than traditional live vaccines and more effective than 'killed' vaccines, offering a promising approach to protect against rising fungal diseases.
Researchers have developed a recombinant yeast antifungal vaccine that protects mice from infection with blastomycosis, a deadly yeast infection of the lung. The vaccine uses a live attenuated strain of Blastomyces dermatitidis to stimulate an immune response against the pathogen.
Researchers have identified a gene that allows histoplasma to infect and persist in humans. The discovery uses a novel technique that may be valuable in finding drug targets for this disease-causing fungus and others.
The Respiratory Tract Infection Alert, a first national tracking system, provides predictive information via the Internet and a toll-free number to predict RTI season peaks. The system tracks common respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis, sinusitis, and pneumonia.
Harbor Branch researchers have isolated compounds from an Indian Ocean sponge that show promise as a new treatment for fungal infections, including those affecting AIDS patients. The discovery of unique cyclic peroxy acids may provide a more effective alternative to existing antifungal agents.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that repeated exposure to azole drugs can lead to the development of drug-resistant yeast infections. About 75% of women between 18 and 35 will experience at least one yeast infection caused by Candida albicans, a common type of yeast fungus.
Researchers found that bees can deliver a biological fungicide to strawberry blooms more effectively than mechanical sprayers, reducing infected strawberries by 72 percent. The bee-delivered natural fungicide was as effective as chemical sprays at preventing gray mold, a common disease in strawberries.
Scientists have identified genetic resistance to aflatoxin production in over five major crops, with commercially usable resistant varieties expected to be available soon. Crop management practices such as irrigation and early harvesting can also significantly reduce aflatoxin content.
A new system of planting different varieties of rice plants can significantly reduce problems with the fungal disease 'blast', which causes lesions on rice plants, reduces yields and in severe cases can kill entire crops. This approach has been shown to eliminate losses to blast in some types of glutinous rice.
USGS scientists have linked recent boreal toad deaths in Rocky Mountain National Park to a chytrid fungus. The fungus has been identified as the cause of amphibian die-offs globally and is being studied for its origin, incidence, distribution, and control methods.
A NASA-funded study on climate change and amphibian declines found no significant correlation between the two. However, researchers suggest that disease may be indirectly influenced by climate and environmental factors.
Researchers at Arizona State University have identified a viral infection as the likely cause of mass salamander deaths in various regions. The iridovirus, typically found in insects, was detected in infected salamanders across North America and Australia.
Researchers have discovered that spraying milk on cucumbers can effectively kill powdery mildew, a major problem for organic farmers. The solution, which involves mixing one part cow's milk with nine parts water and spraying it on the plants twice a week, has been shown to be faster and more effective than chemical fungicides.
A microscopic fungus infecting common eastern US grass, tall fescue, can significantly impact plant diversity and local ecosystems. The fungus alters the host plant's growth, making it more toxic to other herbivores and drought-resistant.
Researchers at Yale University have found that healthy bullfrog tadpoles can distinguish the odors given off by infected animals and keep their distance. This ability may be widespread among animals, enabling them to avoid diseases and reducing the spread of infection.
A recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers suggests that an immune system response to fungus is the cause of most chronic sinus infections, which affects 37 million people in the US. The discovery opens the door to the development of effective treatments for this common chronic disease.
A Purdue University researcher has discovered a natural plant toxin that can stop invading fungi by triggering programmed cell death in fungal cells. This finding could lead to the development of genetically engineered crops that are resistant to fungal infections, reducing the need for fungicides and saving farmers money.
A study by UC Davis scientists reveals that two organisms - a fungus and a bacterium - cause blossom blight in strawberries. The fungus Cladosporium cladosporioides renders the fruit unattractive, while the bacterium Xanthomonas fragariae causes occasional fruit loss, mainly of minor economic importance.
Researchers have developed a new technique to spot contaminated corn by listening for telltale noises made by mouldy kernels when exposed to infrared strobe light. The method uses Fourier Transform Infrared Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (FTIR-PAS) and achieves a 96% accuracy in spotting clean and contaminated corn.
A new protein in Candida albicans allows the fungus to adhere strongly to mucosal cells, facilitating its growth and proliferation. The discovery could lead to the development of inhibitors to prevent or treat Candidiasis infections.
Hundred-year-old corals are succumbing to diseases they previously survived, highlighting the impact of rising ocean temperatures and worsening pollution on ecosystems. Researchers warn that as oceans become degraded, disease outbreaks and new pathogens may emerge, posing a significant threat to marine life.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health discovered that administering itraconazole to HIV-positive patients with P. Marneffei infection can prevent relapse, reducing the risk by 100%. The study showed a 50% relapse rate among untreated patients compared to zero in those treated with itraconazole.
Plant cells respond to fungal invasion by generating reactive oxygen intermediates, ion fluxes, and changes in gene activity. Gentle mechanical stimulation mimics this effect, suggesting physical contact is sufficient for triggering the defense response.
Researchers found that non-dermatologists prescribed less-effective yet more costly medications for fungal skin diseases. Dermatologists prescribed single agents with lower failure rates and costs. The study has implications for health maintenance organizations limiting access to specialists.
A new fungal disease has been identified as a potential cause of mass frog deaths in Australia and Panama, with similar declines observed in pristine rainforests. The fungus is thought to disrupt frogs' skin mechanisms, leading to fatal infections.