One Health Approach to Addressing Fungal Infection Disparities
This article aims to provide an understanding of the global multifactorial disparities in the distribution, diagnosis, and therapy of fungal infections and suggest different ways to address them through collaborative One Health approaches. (Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports)
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - January 16, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
An Update on COVID ‐19 Associated Mucormycosis Characteristics, Risk Factors, and Outcomes: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis meta-analysis aimed to identify the CAM manifestations, clinical presentations, relevant risk factors, mortality risk factors, treatments, outcomes, and survival.Recent FindingsCOVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) increased dramatically, with mucormycosis development estimated to be 50 times higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic. CAM is a high-mortality disease with significant morbidities in survivors. A significant association between uncontrolled diabetes and CAM has been indicated. In addition, high-dose corticosteroid therapy and ICU admission were present in many rhino-orbito-cerebr...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - December 19, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Correction: Candida in COVID-19: Gut-Lung Axis, Dysbiosis, and Infections
(Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports)
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - December 13, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Candida in COVID-19: Gut-Lung Axis, Dysbiosis, and Infections
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review discusses the connections between the gut-lung axis, gut and respiratory tract dysbiosis, andCandida bloodstream, oral, and respiratory infections in COVID-19 patients.Recent FindingsCOVID-19 –related dysfunction in the intestinal barrier together with gut and lung dysbiosis played an important role in disease pathophysiology, which affected host immune homeostasis giving rise to prominent systemic and respiratory bacterial and fungal infections. Higher incidence ofCandida bloodstream infections driven by accumulation of “classic” risk factors in severely ill COVID-19 patients was...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - October 17, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Emerging Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment of Invasive Fungal Infections: Addressing the Impact of COVID-19 and New Pathogens
The objective of this study involved conducting a comprehensive literature search, followed by a rigorous selection process to identify relevant studies. Subsequently, a critical analysis of the literature was undertaken, and the obtained information was carefully synthesized to achieve the research aim.Recent FindingsRecent advances in diagnosis and treatment have greatly improved our ability to detect and manage of IFIs. The non-culture-based techniques have increased the accuracy and speed of fungal detection, while new antifungal drugs and immunotherapies have shown promising results in the treatment of IFIs. The princ...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - September 21, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Tinea Nigra in Children
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTinea nigra is a superficial mycosis of the skin caused by a melanized fungus calledHortaea werneckii that is mostly reported in children and young adults and presents as a rapidly growing brown or black macule especially on palms and less frequently on soles. Several useful diagnostic tools are available to evaluate this acral pigmentary lesion, ranging from dermoscopy and direct KOH examination to scanning electron microscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy. Making an accurate diagnosis will avoid invasive procedures in pediatric patients in most cases. This review aims to describe the recent...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - September 11, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Respiratory Fungal Infections in Cystic Fibrosis: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges
Abstract Purpose of ReviewIn cystic fibrosis (CF), the main focus in bronchopulmonary infections is on bacterial pathogens, as they significantly influence lung function and the exacerbation rate. In the last decade, fungal respiratory diseases have been increasingly investigated for their impact on the clinical course of people with CF. This review aims to highlight recent findings in diagnostics and therapeutic approaches in terms of fungal infections in CF.Recent FindingsWe reviewed over 100 publications on fungal species in CF. Studies showed thatAspergillus spp. negatively impact lung function in patients with CF....
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - July 27, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Antifungal Prophylaxis in the Era of Targeted Chemotherapy for Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review will provide an overview of the potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) that may occur when using small-molecule kinase inhibitors (SMKIs) for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with triazole antifungals. We aim to discuss the management strategies for these interactions, including the assessment of invasive fungal disease (IFD) risks, alternative antifungal treatments, and dosage adjustments of SMKI therapy.Recent FindingsRecent advances in molecular and cell biology have led to the approval of several SMKIs for the treatment of AML. These targeted therapies, while more tole...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - July 27, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
A Scoping Review of the Changing Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Endogenous Candida Ocular Infections
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThere is controversy surrounding the true incidence of ocular infection in patients with candidemia and the best approach to screening for this condition.Recent FindingsMultiple studies have been published recently, updating our understanding of the epidemiology and risk factors for endogenous ocular candidiasis.SummaryOcular candidiasis has an overall low prevalence but remains a clinically relevant and important disease entity among patients with candidemia, especially among those patients infected withCandida albicans and patients with indwelling central venous catheters, comorbid immunosuppress...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - July 26, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Onychomycosis Caused by Fusarium Species: a Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive analysis ofFusarium onychomycosis, a fungal infection affecting the nails caused by various species of the genusFusarium. The review aims to explore the etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and future perspectives ofFusarium onychomycosis.Recent FindingsRecent research has shed light on the taxonomy and different species ofFusarium implicated in onychomycosis, as well as the environmental sources and routes of infection. Advancements in laboratory diagnostic techniques, including molecular methods, ha...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - July 10, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Can There Be a Relationship Between Oral Candidiasis and Candidemia in ICU Patients?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCandidiasis is one of the fungal infections that most affect patients in hospitals. The most frequent etiologic agents areCandida albicans species, but other species such asCandida parapsilosis,Candida tropicalis,Candida glabrata, andCandida krusei can often colonize and/or infect oral tissues. There are many factors responsible for this proliferation and, if disseminated, it can worsen the condition and lead the patient to death. This review aims to relate oral candidiasis with candidemia in critically ill patients and suggest the importance of preventing these oral infections.Recent FindingsThe l...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - June 14, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Maximizing Yield and Speed of Fungal Pathogen Identification with Molecular Testing Performed Directly on Patient Specimens
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMolecular assays for fungal pathogen detection directly in patient specimens represent valuable diagnostic tools, with the potential to increase sensitivity and reduce turnaround time. This review highlights existing and emerging molecular methods for the diagnosis of fungal infections, their clinical performance, limitations, and knowledge gaps.Recent FindingsBroad-range PCR and metagenomic sequencing detect diverse pathogens but have not replaced traditional methods. Limitations are cost, availability, and limited real-world performance data. Multi-target panels and organism-specific assays can p...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - June 8, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Epidemiology and Prevalence of Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus: What Is Our Understanding of the Situation?
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewAzole-resistantAspergillus fumigatus is an emerging clinical problem. Resistance can develop both with clinical exposure and with environmental exposure to azole and azole-like fungicides used against phytopathogens. Here, our current understanding of the epidemiology and prevalence of this emerging problem is reviewed.Recent FindingsAzole-resistantA. fumigatus is now a worldwide problem, as it has been documented in clinical and environmental samples on all but one continent. Although Europe has been the center of this issue, hotspots are now emerging in Asia. However, there are several limita...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - May 29, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Antifungal Stewardship Interventions in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAntifungal stewardship has been recognized as a significant component of any antimicrobial stewardship program. In this article, we aim to provide a review of recommendations and antifungal stewardship interventions in hematologic patients.Recent FindingsCore elements of antibiotic stewardship programs can be applied to antifungal stewardship practices. Engagement of high-prescribing specialists, timely access to fungal diagnostics, screening for drug-drug interactions, and therapeutic drug monitoring are recommended practices that specifically pertain to antifungal stewardship. Tools recently deve...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - May 24, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Novel Approaches in the Management of Mucormycosis
AbstractPurpose of ReviewInvasive mucormycosis (IM), caused by fungi of the order Mucorales, is one of the deadliest fungal infection among hematologic cancer patients. Its incidence is also increasingly reported in immunocompetent individuals, notably with the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches of IM. This review discusses the current advances in this field.Recent FindingsEarly diagnosis of IM is crucial and can be improved by Mucorales-specific PCR and development of lateral-flow immunoassays for specific antigen detection. The spore coat proteins (CotH) ...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - May 8, 2023 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
