Articles tagged with Fungal Infections
Researchers discovered that ants sniff out diseased fungus by detecting chemicals called peptaibols, which are produced by the fungus. This finding suggests that the ants may be responding to a disease of their beneficial symbiotic partner rather than their own body, highlighting an extended defense response.
Researchers have identified a key protein in the body's innate ability to fight systemic fungal infections. The study found that C5a and its downstream effects are crucial for immune cells to clear the fungus Candida albicans when it overtakes natural defenses.
A new study found that a vaccine against the deadly chytrid fungus in frogs can shift the composition of the microbiome, making frogs more resilient to future exposure. The researchers applied a non-lethal dosage of a metabolic product created by the chytrid fungus to tadpoles and observed a protective shift in the microbiome.
Researchers discovered that ants preferentially groom the individuals carrying the highest amount of fungal spores, which are the greatest disease risk. This unique combination of simple rules leads to highly efficient colony-level disease control and 'social immunity' in ant colonies.
The Sooty Bark Disease, caused by Cryptostroma corticale, is a growing threat to European maples and human health. Researchers have developed a DNA-based diagnostic method to detect the pathogen in air samples using volumetric air samplers.
Researchers identified four fungal proteins responsible for suppressing host plant immunity in infectious diseases, leading to distinct host specificity in over 70% of plant diseases. Understanding the mechanism of this specificity may lead to new crop protection technologies.
Researchers develop microrobotic system using magnetic nanoparticles to target and eliminate fungal pathogens, achieving rapid eradication within 10 minutes. The nanozyme-based approach offers a potent and concentrated antifungal effect without affecting uninfected areas.
Researchers at the Center for One Health Research have found that antiviral drugs can make antifungals work again by blocking efflux pumps in Candida auris. This approach may be a key treatment strategy against the deadly fungal pathogen, which has a 60% mortality rate.
Scientists developed a new diagnostic test for chytridiomycosis, identifying previously undetected strains and detecting pathogens in amphibians worldwide. The test's success verified its affordability as an alternative for widespread surveillance, addressing the urgent need for rapid detection of the disease.
Researchers discovered that certain bacterial species, including lactic acid bacteria, correlate with high levels of Candida yeasts in the gut microbiome. This suggests a complex interaction between these microorganisms, where lactic acid bacteria may favor Candida proliferation while making the fungus less virulent.
A significant increase in Candida auris infections has been observed worldwide, including in the USA and Europe, with resistance development and potential for hospital outbreaks. The fungus can be efficiently transmitted from patient to patient via direct contact, making control difficult.
A devastating fungal disease, Fusarium wilt of banana (FWB), caused by Tropical Race 4 (TR4) is spreading in Mozambique, jeopardizing banana production. The Cavendish banana variety is highly susceptible to the disease, and lack of access to on-farm data hinders effective containment.
Experts warn that fungal disease in crops could lead to unprecedented challenges in food production, causing losses equivalent to enough food for millions of people. The increasing prevalence of fungal infections is due to rising temperatures and the development of resistance to antifungals.
Scientists have found a rare yeast pathogen, Lodderomyces elongisporus, causing neonatal outbreaks in India despite strong disinfectant bleach. The fungus is rapidly evolving and has been linked to hospital equipment and apples treated with fungicides.
Researchers discovered that ambrosia beetles Xylosandrus germanus use the volatile compounds of their fungal symbionts to aggregate and potentially kill trees. This finding suggests a new method for biological control by targeting specific beetle species with trapping lures based on these compounds.
Researchers developed a multifunctional patch that detects plant diseases and abiotic stresses like drought or salinity. The patch can detect viral infections up to a week before symptoms appear, enabling growers to take action earlier.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology identifies a global strain of emerging wheat disease fungus, highlighting the importance of genomic surveillance in tracking pathogen evolution and crop resistance. The research found that breeds of wheat carrying the Rmg8 gene are resistant to this fungal strain.
A recent study has found that the fungus Candida auris uses a genetic agent called the Hil family to adhere to host tissue and form biofilms, making it difficult for humans to fight off infections. This adaptation allows the fungus to evade the human immune system and become resistant to anti-fungal drugs.
Researchers in Southern Nevada have detected Candida auris genetic material in untreated sewage samples from seven wastewater treatment facilities. The fungus was also found in nearly 80% of untreated sewage samples, indicating its spread in the region. Wastewater surveillance may provide an early warning system for public health actio...
Researchers have developed an online tool, the 'Tree-Based Alignment Selector (T-BAS) toolkit', to identify and monitor plant pathogens, including Phytophthora species responsible for devastating plant diseases. The tool provides a living 'tree of life' with genetic sequence data, evolutionary history, and relationships within groups.
Researchers have discovered the critical role of linker histone protein H1 in plant immune responses to bacterial and fungal infections. The study found that mutant plants with knocked-out H1 isoforms exhibited higher defense gene expression and resistance to infection, but lacked priming ability.
A new strategy balances disease control with resistance management by balancing resistance to both fungicides until it increases enough to fail. The approach is robust to variations in parameters and could influence policy recommendations.
A study published in the Journal of Infection found that mNGS was significantly more effective at detecting bloodstream infections than conventional microbiological tests (CMTs), identifying 187 infection cases compared to CMTs' 81. Viral infections were the most common type, with CMV being the leading cause.
Cases of Candida auris, a highly contagious fungal infection, rose drastically between 2019 and 2021, with an increase in echinocandin-resistant cases. The findings emphasize the need for improved detection and infection control practices to prevent the spread of C auris.
A recent study found that the highly contagious chytridiomycosis fungus has become more prevalent and widespread in Africa since 2000, posing a new threat to amphibian populations. The disease, which can cause skin sloughing, lethargy, weight loss, and cardiac arrest, may be linked to climate change-induced stress.
Researchers have discovered that fungal spores can exploit the human protein p11 to hijack lung cells and prevent them from destroying the fungus. This finding offers a promising new target for treatment against Aspergillus fumigatus infections, which affect over 300,000 people worldwide each year.
A study found that a commercial water purifier may have caused Mycobacterium abscessus infections in 4 cardiac surgery patients due to chlorine depletion. The hospital's water system was contaminated via municipal water, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and preventing mycobacteria.
A new study by La Trobe University researchers reveals how crocodiles resist fatal fungal infections using a unique pH sensing mechanism. The findings provide a model for understanding the anti-microbial activity of other defensins, including those in humans.
The fungi Neofusicoccum mediterraneum and Neofusicoccum parvum have been found infecting pines in Southern California, causing a deadly disease known as pine ghost canker. The pathogens are native to the US but have recently started infecting trees in urban forest areas.
Researchers have found that iron treatment increases rice's resistance to infection by the pathogenic fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. Exposure to moderate levels of iron triggers a process called ferroptosis, which limits the progression of the fungus and controls the infection.
Researchers used AgRenSeq genomic discovery method to identify two genes protecting experimental wheat plants against wheat blast. The study highlights the power of heritage wheat varieties and wild grass relatives in providing disease-fighting diversity.
Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered that a fungus secretes an enzyme that punches holes in rice leaves, making it vulnerable to chemical blockers. The team is now screening chemicals to find ones that block the enzyme's ability to digest plant cell walls.
Researchers at Leibniz-HKI discovered keanumycins in bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas, effective against plant fungal diseases like grey mould rot and human-pathogenic fungi like Candida albicans. The natural product could be an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides.
Researchers developed an effective method to analyze the effect of olive root exudates on Verticillium wilt, a disease causing olive tree death. The study found that exudates from resistant varieties suppress the fungus's germination, while susceptible varieties stimulate its growth.
Researchers at Rice University have developed light-activated nanoscale drills that can kill pathogenic fungi, providing a potential new treatment option for fungal infections. The molecular machines target the mitochondria of fungal cells, disrupting cellular metabolism and leading to cell death.
A new vaccine has shown efficacy in protecting against three common fungal pathogens responsible for fatal fungal infections. The experimental vaccine targets Aspergillus, Candida, and Pneumocystis, with broad, cross-protective antifungal immunity demonstrated in preclinical animal models.
A new study finds that warmer temperatures cause a pathogenic fungus to experience adaptive responses, leading to increased disease-causing potential. The research, led by Asiya Gusa at Duke University, suggests that rising global temperatures may contribute to the evolution of more virulent fungal pathogens.
A new genetic disorder causing immunodeficiency and susceptibility to opportunistic infections, including life-threatening fungal pneumonia, has been identified. The mutation affects the IRF4 gene and alters the protein's normal gene expression profile.
A team of researchers from Chung-Ang University evaluated three different MALDI-TOF MS approaches used in domestic clinical settings for the identification of molds. They compared the performance and diagnostic accuracy of the Bruker Biotyper, ASTA MicroIDSys, and Vitek MS instruments.
Researchers discovered that viral infections like SARS-CoV-2 and influenza destroy a natural immunity needed to resist fungal infections. This leads to impaired cooperation between white blood cells, allowing fungi to take root. The study reveals potential repurposing of current therapies to replace damaged antibodies.
Researchers have discovered that nutrient elements such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium can activate immune responses in tomato plants, leading to disease resistance. The study found that different defense signaling pathways are required for induction of immunity in response to different elements.
Researchers discovered a previously unknown property of certain immune cells called Th17 cells, which produce the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1α. This finding sheds light on autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis in children and provides new insights into the defense against fungal infections.
A fungus infecting salamanders has evolved to contain multiple copies of jumping genes, which contribute to its increased virulence. The 'copy and paste' mechanism allows the fungus to amplify skin-destruction genes, making it more deadly.
Researchers at Nagoya University discovered that when Ceratocystis ficicola and Fusarium kuroshium fungi are combined, fig saplings experience rapid wilting. The two fungi work together to cause more damage than either one alone, highlighting the importance of considering co-occurring microorganisms in disease control strategies.
A new study found that nearly half of wheat crops in Europe are contaminated with harmful fungal toxins, including DON, which can cause vomiting and other gastrointestinal problems. The researchers estimate that 75-million tonnes of wheat exceeded the limit allowed for human consumption between 2010 and 2019, resulting in a loss of aro...
Researchers analyzed over 4,500 documents to understand fungal dispersal across spatial scales. They identified four scales of movement, from microscopic to landscape, and found that climate change affects where fungi reside. More data is needed to understand the biodiversity of fungi and their movement in ecosystems.
Researchers developed an efficient engineered pathogen capture method to quickly identify infectious microbes in tiny blood samples. This advanced technology could significantly improve clinical outcomes for children with bloodstream infections and sepsis.
Research from the University of Reading found that sinks and P-traps harbor a surprising number of fungal organisms, including black moulds and relatives of baker's yeast. The study showed that these microorganisms can tolerate high temperatures, low pH, and low nutrients, making them a potential risk to health in certain environments.
Researchers found that antibiotic treatment led to significant changes in Candida albicans populations, varying by individual's microbiota. The degree of fungal overgrowth depended on the activity of beta-lactamase enzyme produced by endogenous bacteria.
A post-pandemic outbreak of a drug-resistant fungus in Brazil was linked to the misuse of medications and full ICUs. The study found that 90% of infected patients had strains resistant to fluconazole and echinocandins, leading to high mortality rates.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are developing a new treatment for Candida auris, a multidrug-resistant yeast that causes serious infection and death. The five-year NIH grant will enhance an antifungal drug developed by SCYNEXIS to prevent the spread of the fungus.
Researchers discovered that ant pupae secrete a fluid that is consumed by both adults and larvae, highlighting the interconnectedness of different developmental stages within an ant colony. The fluid, derived from molting, is rich in nutrients and psychoactive substances, essential for larval growth and adult metabolism.
A new collaborative research centre, DECIDE, will investigate the interactions between pathogens and the human immune system, aiming to improve treatment strategies. The centre combines research on various bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and will involve numerous young researchers.
The American College of Physicians recommends policies to improve healthcare access and quality for incarcerated patients, including adequate funding and timely access to necessary services. The organization also supports treating substance use disorders as an alternative to incarceration.
Climate change is expanding the geographic range of endemic fungal diseases, such as Valley fever, blastomycosis, and histoplasmosis, which can mimic pneumonia. Physicians are often misdiagnosing these conditions due to a lack of training and limited testing options.
Fungal lung infections are a growing problem nationwide, with 48 states affected by soil fungi causing serious lung infections. Outdated maps may lead to delayed or incorrect diagnoses.
A strain of yeast called Candida auris is causing persistent and difficult-to-treat infections globally. The fungus has been found in hospitals on multiple continents, with cases registered in Denmark, where it has spread through hospital equipment and patient contact.
A randomized clinical trial found that applying topical antibiotics to the upper digestive tract can improve survival rates in mechanically ventilated intensive care patients. The study, published in JAMA, also showed a significant reduction in new hospital-acquired infections.
Researchers found a significant association between NTM infection and increased mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease. Early diagnosis and treatment may improve survival. NTM can cause nonspecific symptoms like fever and weight loss, and patients with compromised immune systems are at higher risk.
Researchers at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine have identified a specific type of T cell that produces cytokines necessary for acquiring immunity against fungal pathogens. This finding could lead to the development of effective fungal vaccines.