MedWorm: Fungal Infections

Prospective Surveillance for Invasive Fungal Infections in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients, 2001-2006: Overview of the Transplant-Associated Infection Surveillance Network (TRANSNET) Database

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Kontoyiannis DP, Marr KA, Park BJ, Alexander BD, Anaissie EJ, Walsh TJ, Ito J, Andes DR, Baddley JW, Brown JM, Brumble LM, Freifeld AG, Hadley S, Herwaldt LA, Kauffman CA, Knapp K, Lyon GM, Morrison VA, Papanicolaou G, Patterson TF, Perl TM, Schuster MG, Walker R, Wannemuehler KA, Wingard JR, Chiller TM, Pappas PG (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

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Invasive Fungal Infections among Organ Transplant Recipients: Results of the Transplant-Associated Infection Surveillance Network (TRANSNET)

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Pappas PG, Alexander BD, Andes DR, Hadley S, Kauffman CA, Freifeld A, Anaissie EJ, Brumble LM, Herwaldt L, Ito J, Kontoyiannis DP, Lyon GM, Marr KA, Morrison VA, Park BJ, Patterson TF, Perl TM, Oster RA, Schuster MG, Walker R, Walsh TJ, Wannemuehler KA, Chiller TM (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Topical Nanoemulsion Effective Against Chronic Toenail Fungal Infections

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:43:28 +0100

An investigational topical ointment was effective in clearing chronic persistent subungual onychomycosis within 4 weeks in 60% of patients treated. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Invasive filamentous fungal infections associated with renal transplant tourism

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Shoham S, Hinestrosa F, Moore J Jr, O'Donnell S, Ruiz M, Light J (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Melanoma Associated With Long-term Voriconazole Therapy: A New Manifestation of Chronic Photosensitivity [Observation]

Archives of Dermatology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:50:58 +0100

Conclusions We recommend surveillance for skin cancer formation in all patients who require long-term voriconazole treatment, particularly those who manifest signs or symptoms of photosensitivity or chronic photodamage. Further study of the mechanism underlying voriconazole photosensitivity and oncogenesis is warranted. Published online January 18, 2010 (doi:10.1001/archdermatol.2009.362). (Source: Archives of Dermatology)

Valley fever: A lung infection of desert regions

MayoClinic.com Full Feed — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 06:00:00 +0100

Valley fever — Comprehensive overview covers symptoms of common fungal infection in America's desert regions. (Source: MayoClinic.com Full Feed)

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Total Parenteral Nutrition Linked With Fungal Infection of Ventricular Assist Devices

Medscape Infectious Diseases Headlines — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:50:41 +0100

Total parenteral nutrition should be restricted in patients with ventricular assist devices because it significantly increases their risk for fungal device infections, according to an online report March 1st in Clinical Infectious Diseases. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Infectious Diseases Headlines)

Overall survival and fungal infection-related mortality in patients with invasive fungal infection and neutropenia after myelosuppressive chemotherapy in a tertiary care centre from 1995 to 2006

Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:27:28 +0100

Conclusions Compared with 1995–2001, IFI-related mortality decreased and OS in patients with IFI increased significantly in recent years. Improved OS was associated with controlled haematological disease, certainty of IFI diagnosis (possible), younger age, time period 2002–06 and the use of novel antifungals. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)

Chapter 8 - Fungal infections in immunocompromised patients

Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:34:44 +0100

As complicações pulmonares se constituem na maior causa de morbidade e mortalidade no hospedeiro imunocomprometido, devido à deficiência nos mecanismos básicos de defesa. Independente da causa da imunodepressão, infecções bacterianas, virais e fúngicas são as mais frequentes. Entre as infecções fúngicas, a aspergilose é a mais comum (incidência de 1-9% e mortalidade de 55-92%) nos diferentes tipos de transplantados. Embora a forma pneumônica seja a mais frequente, lesões do sistema nervoso central e sinusite não são raras. O sinal do halo em TC de tórax representa uma área de baixa atenuação em volta do nódulo, revelando edema ou hemorragia. O padrão ouro para o diagnóstico é a identificação do fungo por cultura de escarro, amostras de LBA ou biópsia. Na falta...

Scientists pinpoint source of recurrent yeast infections in autoimmune syndrome

The Rockefeller University Newswire — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:15:00 +0100

It turns out that the immune system can create its own infections. Scientists now report that the immune-fighting proteins that keep yeast in check in healthy immune systems are under siege in patients with a rare autoimmune disorder known as APS-1. By pinpointing the cause of candidiasis in these patients, the finding paves the way for treating these fungal infections with drugs that are already out in the market. (Source: The Rockefeller University Newswire)

Invasive Fungal Infections among Organ Transplant Recipients: Results of the Transplant‐Associated Infection Surveillance Network (TRANSNET)

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:04:29 +0100

Conclusions. We detected a slight increase in IFIs during the surveillance period. These data provide important insights into the timing and incidence of IFIs among organ transplant recipients, which can help to focus effective prevention and treatment strategies. (Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

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Prospective Surveillance for Invasive Fungal Infections in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients, 2001–2006: Overview of the Transplant‐Associated Infection Surveillance Network (TRANSNET) Database

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:19:27 +0100

Conclusions. In this national prospective surveillance study of IFIs in HSCT recipients, the cumulative incidence was highest for aspergillosis, followed by candidiasis. Understanding the epidemiologic trends and burden of IFIs may lead to improved management strategies and study design. (Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

The prevalence of common skin infections in four districts in Timor-Leste: a cross sectional survey

BMC Infectious Diseases — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We examined the skin of 1535 participants aged between four months and 97 years. The majority of participants were male, aged between 11 and 20 years and had at least one condition of interest (56.0%, 56.0%, and 63.1%, respectively). Fungal infections were the most common presentation (39.0%) and males were more commonly affected than females (42.3% vs 34.0%, respectively, pvalue (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Pacing lead endocarditis due to

Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:15:51 +0100

We present here a case of Aspergillus fumigatus tricuspid valve endocarditis associated with permanent pacemaker leads. Tricuspid valve vegetectomy was done and the pacing leads were also removed. Culture from the excised vegetation grew Aspergillus fumigatus. The patient was started on IV Amphotericin B for eight weeks. The patient was subsequently followed up in the out-patient clinic, and remains afebrile after one year, with no evidence of any vegetation. (Source: Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology)

Dance and Medicine

Psychology Today Work Center — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:10:56 +0100

The mid-point of medical residency is probably the bleakest point in medical training. The daily grind of death and disease wears young doctors down, and the end of residency seems impossibly far off. In the second year of my residency at Bellevue Hospital, I began taking dance class at the Martha Graham studio in Manhattan. It turned out to be an unexpectedly visceral lifesaver for me. Here is an excerpt from the essay, “Pas de Deux,” which appears in the new anthology from “Becoming a Doctor,” edited by Lee Gutkind. (Norton, 2010.) “One day, after a long night in the ICU, I rushed straight to dance class, leotards under my scrubs. I had spent the bulk of my last thirty hours with Nilsa, a young woman dying of HIV. Nilsa’s body was ravaged by bacterial, vira...

Natural compounds in carnivorous plants could fight human fungal infections

NaturalNews.com — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) The vast array of plants in nature includes carnivorous plants that kill to survive. How can a plant zap a flying or crawling insect? By using a highly evolved group of compounds and secondary metabolites to trap and absorb prey. Now Tel Aviv University researchers say they've found a way these natural plant compounds could benefit human health by fighting serious fungal infections.The Venus fly trap is probably the best known example of a carnivorous plant. Native to the tropics, these plants lure unsuspecting beetles, ants, flies and other creatures into a cavity filled with liquid that botanists call a "pitcher". The instant insects fall into this trap, enzymes are activated that dissolve the bugs and provide the plant with needed nutrients, such as carbon and nitrogen, wh...

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The infectivity of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana to insecticide-resistant and susceptible Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes at two different temperatures

Malaria Journal — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These results provide evidence that the entomopathogenic fungus B. bassiana has potential for use as an alternative vector control tool against insecticide-resistant mosquitoes under conditions typical of indoor resting environments. Nonetheless, the observed variation in effective virulence reveals the need for further study to optimize selection of isolates, dose and use strategy in different eco-epidemiological settings. (Source: Malaria Journal)

From carnivorous plants to the medicine cabinet? Anti-fungal agents in pitcher plants investigated

ScienceDaily Headlines — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:54:13 +0100

Unusual components from carnivorous plants' pitchers were found effective as anti-fungal drugs against human fungal infections, which are widespread in hospitals. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Multi-mycotoxin analysis of maize silage by LC-MS/MS.

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Rasmussen RR, Storm IM, Rasmussen PH, Smedsgaard J, Nielsen KF This paper describes a method for determination of 27 mycotoxins and other secondary metabolites in maize silage. The method focuses on analytes which are known to be produced by common maize and maize-silage contaminants. A simple pH-buffered sample extraction was developed on the basis of a very fast and simple method for analysis of multiple pesticide residues in food known as QuEChERS. The buffering effectively ensured a stable pH in samples of both well-ensiled maize (pH < 4) and of hot spots with fungal infection (pH > 7). No further clean-up was performed before analysis using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The method was successfully validated for determination of eight analytes quali...

Early Test For A Killer Of The Sickest

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

An early test for fungal infections that measures how a patient's genes are responding could save the lives of some very sick patients. Researchers at Duke University's Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy have devised an early gene-expression test for the fungal pathogen Candida that worked in mice. It is an entirely new and more rapid way to reveal an infection which occurs in very sick or immunocompromised patients, particularly critical care patients. Candidemia can kill 10-15 percent of critically ill patients within the first 24 hours of infection... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Early Test For A Killer Of The Sickest

Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News From Medical News Today — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

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Early test for a killer of the sickest

ScienceDaily Headlines — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:31:32 +0100

An early test for fungal infections that measures how a patient's genes are responding could save the lives of some very sick patients. Researchers have devised an early gene-expression test for the fungal pathogen Candida that worked in mice. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Chapter 8: Fungal infections in immunocompromised patients

Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:48:33 +0100

Overall survival and fungal infection-related mortality in patients with invasive fungal infection and neutropenia after myelosuppressive chemotherapy in a tertiary care centre from 1995 to 2006

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Hahn-Ast C, Glasmacher A, Mückter S, Schmitz A, Kraemer A, Marklein G, Brossart P, von Lilienfeld-Toal (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Epidemiology of paediatric invasive fungal infections and a case-control study of risk factors in acute leukaemia or post stem cell transplant

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Hale KA, Shaw PJ, Dalla-Pozza L, Macintyre CR, Isaacs D, Sorrell TC (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Epidemiology and outcome of invasive fungal infections in solid organ transplant recipients

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Neofytos D, Fishman JA, Horn D, Anaissie E, Chang CH, Olyaei A, Pfaller M, Steinbach WJ, Webster KM, Marr KA (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

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Combined use of fluconazole and selective digestive decontamination in the prevention of fungal infection after adult liver transplantation

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Decruyenaere J, Colardyn F, Vogelaers D, Claeys G, Hesse U, De Deyne C, Hoste E, Lutz-Dettinger N, Vandewoude K, de Hemptinne B (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Risk factors for systemic fungal infections in liver transplant recipients

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Briegel J, Forst H, Spill B, Haas A, Grabein B, Haller M, Kilger E, Jauch KW, Maag K, Ruckdeschel G, Peter K (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Fungal infections in liver transplant recipients

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Grauhan O, Lohmann R, Lemmens P, Schattenfroh N, Keck H, Klein E, Raakow R, Jonas S, Langrehr JM, Bechstein W, Blumhardt, Neuhaus P (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Risk factors for invasive fungal infections complicating orthotopic liver transplantation

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Collins LA, Samore MH, Roberts MS, Luzzati R, Jenkins RL, Lewis WD, Karchmer AW (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Spectrum and risk factors for invasive candidiasis and non-Candida fungal infections after liver transplantation

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Shi SH, Lu AW, Shen Y, Jia CK, Wang WL, Xie HY, Zhang M, Liang TB, Zheng SS (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

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Analysis of severe infections (INF) after 180 consecutive liver transplants: the impact of amphotericin B prophylaxis for reducing the incidence and severity of fungal infections

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Mora NP, Cofer JB, Solomon H, Goldstein RM, Gonwa TA, Husberg BS, Klintmalm GB (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Fungal infections in solid-organ transplantation

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Paya CV (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Clinical spectrum of fungal infections after orthotopic liver transplantation

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Castaldo P, Stratta RJ, Wood RP, Markin RS, Patil KD, Shaefer MS, Langnas AN, Reed EC, Li SJ, Pillen TJ, Shaw B (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Early test for a killer of the sickest

EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(Duke University Medical Center) An early test for fungal infections that measures how a patient's genes are responding could save the lives of some very sick patients. Researchers at Duke University's Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy have devised an early gene-expression test for the fungal pathogen Candida that worked in mice. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)

Immune responses of Helicoverpa armigera to different kinds of pathogens

BMC Immunology — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These data suggest that the granulocytes are the major phagocytes in H. armigera. All haemocytes can be infected by AcMNPV. The transcripts of 14 immune related genes have different expression patterns in H. armigera infected by different pathogens, which means that the immune-related genes may have different functions against various kinds of pathogens. (Source: BMC Immunology)

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Prevention of invasive fungal infections in liver transplant recipients: the role of prophylaxis with lipid formulations of amphotericin B in high-risk patients

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Fortún J, Martín-Davila P, Moreno S, Barcena R, de Vicente E, Honrubia A, García M, Nuño J, Candela A, Uriarte M, Pintado V (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Efficacy and safety of itraconazole prophylaxis for fungal infections after orthotopic liver transplantation: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Sharpe MD, Ghent C, Grant D, Horbay GL, McDougal J, David Colby W (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Randomized controlled trial of oral itraconazole solution versus intravenous/oral fluconazole for prevention of fungal infections in liver transplant recipients

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Winston DJ, Busuttil RW (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Trends in invasive fungal infections in liver transplant recipients: correlation with evolution in transplantation practices

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Singh N, Wagener MM, Marino IR, Gayowski T (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Preemptive prophylaxis with a lipid preparation of amphotericin B for invasive fungal infections in liver transplant recipients requiring renal replacement therapy

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Singh N, Paterson DL, Gayowski T, Wagener MM, Marino IR (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

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Risk factors of invasive Candida and non-Candida fungal infections after liver transplantation

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Patel R, Portela D, Badley AD, Harmsen WS, Larson-Keller JJ, Ilstrup DM, Keating MR, Wiesner RH, Krom RA, Paya CV (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Prophylaxis with liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome) prevents fungal infections in liver transplant recipients: long-term results of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Tollemar J, Höckerstedt K, Ericzon BG, Jalanko H, Ringdén O (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Liposomal amphotericin B prevents invasive fungal infections in liver transplant recipients. A randomized, placebo-controlled study

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Tollemar J, Höckerstedt K, Ericzon BG, Jalanko H, Ringdén O (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

The Drosophila PRR GNBP3 assembles effector complexes involved in antifungal defenses independently of its Toll pathway activation function.

European Journal of Immunology — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Matskevich AA, Quintin J, Ferrandon D The Drosophila Toll signalling pathway controls the systemic antifungal host response. Gram-negative binding protein 3 (GNBP3), a member of the â-Glucan recognition protein (âGRP) family, senses fungal infections and activates this pathway. A second detection system perceives the activity of proteolytic fungal virulence factors and redundantly activates Toll. GNBP3(hades) mutant flies succumb more rapidly to Candida albicans and to entomopathogenic fungal infections than wild type (WT) flies, despite normal triggering of the Toll pathway via the virulence detection system. These observations suggest that GNBP3 triggers antifungal defenses that are not dependent on activation of the Toll pathway. Here, we show that GNBP3 agglutina...

Randomized PCR-based therapy and risk factors for invasive fungal infection following reduced-intensity conditioning and hematopoietic SCT

Bone Marrow Transplantation — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: O Blennow, M Remberger, L Klingspor, B Omazic, K Fransson, P Ljungman, J Mattsson & O Ringdén (Source: Bone Marrow Transplantation)

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Successful treatment of periodontal mucormycosis: report of a case and literature review

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontics — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Mucormycosis is an aggressive and potentially devastating fungal infection which typically manifests in pulmonary, rhinocerebral, or disseminated forms in patients with hematologic malignancy. Mucormycosis confined to the periodontium is uncommon, and to our knowledge only 6 cases have been reported in the English-language literature. This case report describes a patient with acute leukemia and periodontal mucormycosis. Calcofluor fluorescence microscopy is also proposed as a method for establishing a prompt diagnosis and guiding extent of intraoperative surgical debridement. (Source: Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontics)

Lung scedosporiosis in human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

The American Journal of the Medical Sciences — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Sarva ST, Manjunath SK, Baldwin HS, Robins DB, Freire AX A 31-year-old African American woman with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) (recent CD4 count of 66/mm) presented to the emergency room with a tension pneumothorax that required an emergent chest tube placement. Computed tomography scan showed fungus balls in multiple lung cavities and surrounding infiltrates. The patient showed remarkable improvement with voriconazole suggesting aspergillosis. However, the patient was serologically negative for Aspergillus and other common fungal infections. Because of a persistent air leak, surgical intervention was needed. The histological finding was consistent with invasive mycosis, and cultures were positive for Scedosporium apiospermum. Lit...

Histopathological study of candidal infection in the central nervous system.

Nippon Ishinkin Gakk... — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 11:52:03 +0100

Authors: Nakayama H, Shibuya K, Kimura M, Ueda M, Iwabuchi S In recent years, incidence of invasive fungal infection has been increasing, mostly due to advances in + medicine that may produce immunocompromised individuals. Candidial infection in the central nervous system (CNS) is one of the most serious forms of blood stream infection of Candida sp. and mortality is known to be more than 50%.In this research, we employed 27 autopsies with confirmed in vasive CNS yeast infection which were confirmed. In addition to detailed morphological analysis of yeast cells in lesions, in situ hybridization was carried out with an originally designed Candida -specific peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probe to identify the candidial infection of each patient. This was followed by histopathological investi...

Invasive Candidiasis and the Utility of Antifungal Susceptibility Testing in the ICU

Journal of Pharmacy Practice — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:00:36 +0100

Invasive fungal infections are a major cause of health care–associated morbidity and mortality in the ICU. In particular, Candida spp. are among one of the leading causes of bloodstream infections and sepsis. Advances in antifungal therapy in the last decade have led to many more options in the treatment of fungal infections, yet increasing resistance and clinical failures are common, especially in the management of invasive candidiasis in the ICU. Prompt diagnosis of these infections and appropriate antifungal treatment are imperative for improving survival. Although reliable antifungal susceptibility testing is available to aid in the therapy of fungal infections, testing is not always recommended. This review addresses the epidemiology of Candida infections in the ICU, antifungal ...

Epidemiological survey of foot diseases in Japan: Results of 30 000 foot checks by dermatologists

The Journal of Dermatology — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study we determined the prevalence of foot diseases, especially tinea pedis (TP) and tinea unguium (TU) in Japan. We conducted a randomized survey of outpatients who visited a dermatologist during the third week of May in 1999, 2000 and 2006. The most frequently reported condition was "fungal infection" in 8737 (40.0%) of 21 820 patients in 1999/2000, and 3848 (49.4%) of 7783 patients in 2006. The patients who visited a dermatologist for reasons other than superficial fungal infection but were diagnosed with TP or TU comprised 18.6% of the study population in 2000 and 24.1% in 2006. Of the patients with TP or TU, 63.2% used topical medication only. This survey showed that often patients are not aware of fungal infections and that their treatment is sometimes insufficient. Dermatolo...

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Pulmonary resection for fungal infection in children undergoing bone marrow transplantation

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Lupinetti FM, Behrendt DM, Giller RH, Trigg ME, de Alarcon P (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

The efficacy of itraconazole against systemic fungal infections in neutropenic patients: a randomised comparative study with amphotericin B

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

van't Wout JW, Novakova I, Verhagen CA, Fibbe WE, de Pauw BE, van der Meer JW (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Efficacy of amphotericin B encapsulated in liposomes (AmBisome) in the treatment of invasive fungal infections in immunocompromised patients

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Ringdén O, Meunier F, Tollemar J, Ricci P, Tura S, Kuse E, Viviani MA, Gorin NC, Klastersky J, Fenaux P, et al. (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Fungal infections in patients with acute leukemia

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

DeGregorio MW, Lee WM, Linker CA, Jacobs RA, Ries CA (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Fungal cerebral abscess in a diabetic patient successfully treated with surgery followed by prolonged antifungal therapy.

Revista Iberoamericana de Micologia — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Fungal infections, especially due to Candida species, should be considered in diabetic patients with parenchymal brain abscesses. Radical excision followed by prolonged antifungal therapy based on fluconazole or amphotericin B is necessary to improve the prognosis of this type of patients. PMID: 20189857 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Revista Iberoamericana de Micologia)

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Hepatic mucormycosis mimicking hilar cholangiocarcinoma: A case report and literature review.

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:40:06 +0100

In this report, we describe an immunocompetent patient suffering from hepatic mucormycosis secondary to adrenal mucormycosis, which masquerades as hilar cholangiocarcinoma. After surgical procedure and treatment with amphotericin B and itraconazole, the patient recovered well and had a 2-year infection-free survival. To our knowledge, this special clinical manifestation of hepatic infection as well as adrenal mucormycosis has not been reported to date. Meanwhile, this is the first case of an immunocompetent patient with both adrenal and hepatic mucormycosis who has been treated successfully. PMID: 20180248 [PubMed - in process] (Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG)

Autosomal dominant and sporadic monocytopenia with susceptibility to mycobacteria, fungi, papillomaviruses, and myelodysplasia

Blood — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:22:40 +0100

We identified 18 patients with the distinct clinical phenotype of susceptibility to disseminated nontuberculous mycobacterial infections, viral infections, especially with human papillomaviruses, and fungal infections, primarily histoplasmosis, and molds. This syndrome typically had its onset in adulthood (age range, 7-60 years; mean, 31.1 years; median, 32 years) and was characterized by profound circulating monocytopenia (mean, 13.3 cells/µL; median, 14.5 cells/µL), B lymphocytopenia (mean, 9.4 cells/µL; median, 4 cells/µL), and NK lymphocytopenia (mean, 16 cells/µL; median, 5.5 cells/µL). T lymphocytes were variably affected. Despite these peripheral cytopenias, all patients had macrophages and plasma cells at sites of inflammation and normal immunogl...

Liposomal amphotericin B in the treatment of fungal infections in neutropenic patients: a single-centre experience of 133 episodes in 116 patients

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Mills W, Chopra R, Linch DC, Goldstone AH (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Successful bone marrow transplantation in patients with previous invasive fungal infections: report of four cases

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Martino R, Nomdedéu J, Altés A, Sureda A, Brunet S, Martínez C, Domingo-Albós A (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

The spectrum of non-Candida fungal infections following bone marrow transplantation

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Morrison VA, Haake RJ, Weisdorf DJ (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

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Classification of invasive fungal disease in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia

Mycoses — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Invasive fungal diseases (IFD) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Their incidence has risen dramatically in recent years. The diagnosis of IFDs remains difficult, even if the European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)/Mycosis Study Group (MSG) criteria are applied for study purposes to classify the likelihood of these infections. These criteria have been developed for clinical trials, and their relevance in clinical settings outside a clinical trial remains unknown. We evaluated the impact of the EORTC/MSG criteria and a modification thereof for clinical purposes in patients with AML. We retro-spectively analysed 100 AML patients for the occurrence of IFD. First, EORTC/MSG criteria were applied to classif...

Pulmonary fungal infections in patients with hematological malignancies - diagnostic approaches

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

von Eiff M, Zühlsdorf M, Roos N, Hesse M, Schulten R, van de Loo J (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Phase I study of amphotericin B colloidal dispersion for the treatment of invasive fungal infections after marrow transplant

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Bowden RA, Cays M, Gooley T, Mamelok RD, van Burik JA (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome) therapy in invasive fungal infections. Evaluation of United Kingdom compassionate use data

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Ng TT, Denning DW (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Global Anti-Infectives Market to Reach $103 Billion by 2015, According to New Report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:26:37 +0100

GIA announces the release of a comprehensive global report on Anti-Infectives market. The global anti-infectives market is projected to exceed $103 billion by the year 2015. Factors driving sales include introduction of novel therapeutics for drug-resistant bacteria, increasing incidence of severe fungal infections, potential launch of new antiviral agents, and introduction of new drugs in the HIV market. (PRWeb Feb 22, 2010) Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/anti_infective_drugs/anti_bacterials_virals/prweb3629804.htm (Source: PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals)

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Prophylactic Antifungal Agents Used After Lung Transplantation (March).

The Annals of Pharmacotherapy — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The risk of fungal infection after lung transplant is multifactorial and optimal prophylactic regimens should include agents with adequate activity against the most pathogenic fungi. PMID: 20179260 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Annals of Pharmacotherapy)

Bad news for bats: Deadly white-nose syndrome still spreading

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100

The bat-killing fungal infection known as white-nose syndrome (WNS) has spread into Tennessee for the first time. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has confirmed that infected bats were found in Worley's cave in Sullivan County, where they had been hibernating. [More] (Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed)

Antifungal therapy in infants and children with proven, probable or suspected invasive fungal infections.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 04:58:05 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Limited paediatric data are available comparing antifungal agents in children with proven, probable or suspected invasive fungal infection. No differences in mortality or treatment efficacy were observed when antifungal agents were compared. Children are less likely to develop nephrotoxicity with a lipid preparation of amphotericin B compared with conventional amphotericin B. Further comparative paediatric antifungal drug trials and epidemiological and pharmacological studies are required highlighting the differences between neonates, children and adults with invasive fungal infections. PMID: 20166083 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)

Administration of IL-23 engages innate and adaptive immune mechanisms during fungal infection

International Immunology — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:25:25 +0100

IL-23 is a key cytokine in promotion of chronic inflammation. Here, we address if its pro-inflammatory potential can be harnessed to protect against chronic cryptococcosis. Mice were infected with Cryptococcus neoformans and treated with recombinant IL-23. Administration of IL-23 led to prolonged survival and reduced fungal burden but was inferior to IL-12 treatment. Independent of endogenous IL-23/IL-12, IL-23 treatment induced an altered cytokine profile accompanied by marked changes in composition of the inflammatory infiltrate characterized by T cell and dendritic cell recruitment. Although IL-23 induced hallmarks of the Th17 pathway, also non-T cells produced IL-17A and IL-22. IL-23 treatment of T-cell-deficient mice resulted in increased IL-17A and IL-22 production and modulation of ...

From carnivorous plants to the medicine cabinet?

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(American Friends of Tel Aviv University) Prof. Aviah Zilberstein of Tel Aviv University's Department of Plant Sciences says that the unusual components from carnivorous plants' pitchers were found effective as anti-fungal drugs against human fungal infections widespread in hospitals. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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Risk factors and prognosis of invasive fungal infections in allogeneic stem cell transplantation recipients: a single-institution experience

Transplant Infectious Disease — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

P. Zhang, E.-L. Jiang, D.-L. Yang, Z.-S. Yan, Y. Huang, J.-L. Wei, M. Wang, Q.-L. Ma, Q.-G. Liu, D.-H. Zou, Y. He, L.-G. Qiu, S.-Z. Feng, M.-Z. Han. Risk factors and prognosis of invasive fungal infections in allogeneic stem cell transplantation recipients: a single-institution experience. Transpl Infect Dis 2010. All rights reserved Invasive fungal infections (IFI) are frequent complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) and major causes of a poor prognosis. Analysis of risk factors and prognosis of IFI are important for the control of IFI. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all allogeneic SCT recipients from January 2000 to December 2007. For the homogeneity of analysis, only 286 patients with no history of IFI were included. Fifty-five cases...

Voriconazole in the treatment of aspergillosis, scedosporiosis and other invasive fungal infections in children

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Walsh TJ, Lutsar I, Driscoll T, Dupont B, Roden M, Ghahramani P, Hodges M, Groll AH, Perfect JR (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Liposomal amphotericin B compared with amphotericin B deoxycholate in the treatment of documented and suspected neutropenia-associated invasive fungal infections

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Leenders AC, Daenen S, Jansen RL, Hop WC, Lowenberg B, Wijermans PW, Cornelissen J, Herbrecht R, van der Lelie H, Hoogsteden HC, Verbrugh HA, de Marie S (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Amphotericin B lipid complex (ABLC) for the treatment of confirmed or presumed fungal infections in immunocompromised patients with hematologic malignancies

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Mehta J, Kelsey S, Chu P, Powles R, Hazel D, Riley U, Evans C, Newland A, Treleaven J, Singhal S (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Prior fungal infection is not a contraindication to bone marrow transplant in patients with acute leukemia

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Hoover M, Morgan ER, Kletzel M (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

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Invasive filamentous fungal infections associated with renal transplant tourism

Transplant Infectious Disease — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

S. Shoham, F. Hinestrosa, J. Moore Jr, S. O'Donnell, M. Ruiz, J. Light. Invasive filamentous fungal infections associated with renal transplant tourism.Transpl Infect Dis 2010. All rights reservedAbstract: 'Transplant tourism,' the practice of traveling abroad to acquire an organ, has emerged as an issue in kidney transplantation. We treated a patient who developed invasive aspergillosis of the allograft vascular anastomosis after receiving a kidney transplant in Pakistan, prompting us to review the literature of invasive mycoses among commercial organ transplant recipients. We reviewed all published cases of infections in solid organ transplant recipients who bought their organs abroad and analyzed these reports for invasive fungal infections. Including the new case reported here, 19 case...

Progressive osteosclerosis and visceral calcification after cord blood transplantation.

International Journal of Hematology — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Asada N, Ishii S, Wakahashi K, Kawano H, Kawamori Y, Nishikawa S, Minagawa K, Okamura A, Shimoyama M, Katayama Y, Hayashi Y, Itoh T, Tanimoto M, Matsui T A 26-year-old woman, who successfully underwent umbilical cord blood transplantation for aplastic anemia 4 years previously, had suffered from hepatosplenic microabscesses caused by unidentifiable grocott stain-positive spores from immediately after the transplantation. At 51 months post-transplant, we attempted bone marrow biopsy from her posterior iliac crest, but failed to penetrate the cortical bone. X-ray of her spine and pelvis showed marked and diffuse osteosclerosis. Retrospective analysis of computed tomography revealed the gradual replacement of sternal, vertebral, and pelvic bone marrow with calcified tissues in ad...

Candida albicans–associated necrotizing vasculitis producing life-threatening gastrointestinal hemorrhage

Human Pathology — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We describe a case of systemic Candida albicans infection associated with life-threatening gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to unusual necrotizing vasculitis involving the gastrointestinal tract. We explore the association between Candida and such vasculopathy. (Source: Human Pathology)

Association between hypoparathyroidism and defective T cell immunity in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

Journal of Clinical Pathology — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 10:25:41 +0100

Conclusions 22q11.2 syndrome patients with hypoparathyroidism are more likely to have a clinically significant T cell immunodeficiency and lower laboratory parameters of T cell function, with a higher risk of thrush and viral bronchiolitis and enteritis. Measurement of absolute CD3 count is a simple and accurate predictor of fungal/viral infection risk, with phytohaemagglutinin mitogen responses providing little or no further value in most patients. (Source: Journal of Clinical Pathology)

What Is Oral Thrush In Babies? What Causes Oral Thrush In Babies?

Ear, Nose and Throat News From Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Oral thrush is a common fungal infection in the mouth of healthy babies under two years old. It is also called oral candidiasis. The condition is most common in babies around four weeks old. It is rare in the first week of life. Older babies can get it too, but this is less common. In some cases, babies can have repeated infections... (Source: Ear, Nose and Throat News From Medical News Today)

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Strategy of following voriconazole versus amphotericin B therapy with other licensed antifungal therapy for primary treatment of invasive aspergillosis: impact of other therapies on outcome

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Patterson TF, Boucher HW, Herbrecht R, Denning DW, Lortholary O, Ribaud P, Rubin RH, Wingard JR, DePauw B, Schlamm HT, Troke P, Bennett JE; European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Invasive Fungal Infections Group (IFIG); Pfizer Global Aspergillus Study Group (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Twenty-four hour continuous infusion of amphotericin B for the treatment of suspected or proven fungal infection in haematology patients

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Hall P, Kennedy G, Morton J, Hill GR, Durrant S (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Identification and analysis of in planta expressed genes of Magnaporthe oryzae

BioMed Central — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: This study shows the power of ESTs to refine genome annotation and functional characterization. Results of this work have advanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning fungal-plant interactions and formed the basis for new hypothesis. (Source: BioMed Central)

ARDS during neutropenia recovery

Critical Care — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Acute respiratory failure is a life threatening complication in cancer patients. During neutropenia, patients are at high risk for bacterial pneumonia or invasive fungal infections, when neutropenia is prolonged. A high proportion of patients in whom neutropenia had been complicated by pneumonia will present with substantial respiratory deterioration during neutropenia recovery. Patients with fungal pneumonia and those receiving G-CSF to shorten neutropenia duration may be at higher risk for this ALI/ARDS during neutropenia recovery. Routine screening of patient's risk factors is crucial since first symptoms of ARDS may occur before biological leukocyte recovery. (Source: Critical Care)

Onychomycosis and other superficial fungal infections of the foot in the elderly: a pan-European survey

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Piérard G (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

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Fungal infections of the nails in Western Australia

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

McAleer R (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Safety of triazole antifungal drugs in patients with cancer

Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:11:23 +0100

Triazole drugs are widely used in cancer patients for prophylaxis and treatment of life-threatening invasive fungal infections. Fluconazole, available for over two decades, is safe and effective in patients with cancer; however, the excellent safety profile of fluconazole may not be applicable to the newer triazoles. Itraconazole, voriconazole and posaconazole are associated with adverse events, and drug interactions frequently occur, particularly in cancer patients, since the triazoles and many drugs used in cancer chemotherapy are metabolized via a common metabolic pathway, the hepatic cytochrome P450 system. Close monitoring for drug interactions is needed when triazoles are used with anti-neoplastic drugs and dosage modification of the triazole or its discontinuation may be required. M...

Severe cutaneous candida infection during natalizumab therapy in multiple sclerosis

Neurology — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:00:53 +0100

(Source: Neurology)

A MAP Kinase of the Entomopathogenic Fungus Beauveria bassiana is Required for Appressoria Formation and Penetration of Insect Cuticle.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Zhang Y, Zhang J, Jiang X, Wang G, Luo Z, Fan Y, Wu Z, Pei Y Beauveria bassiana is an important insect-pathogenic fungus which invades insects by direct penetration of the host cuticle. To delineate the molecular mechanisms involved in fungal infection, a MAP kinase gene, Bbmpk1, which encodes a YERK1 family MAPK was isolated and characterized. Targeted gene-disruption of Bbmpk1 resulted in a complete loss of virulence when applied topically to host insects, but did not affect growth of the fungus when conidia were injected directly into the hemocoel. Hyphae of the mutant strain growing in the insect hemocoel were unable to penetrate the cuticle growing outwards and consequently failed to sporulate on the cadaver surface. These data suggest that BbMPK1 is essential for penetra...

Chronic granulomatous disease

Pediatric Radiology — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:09:13 +0100

Abstract Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare congenital immunodeficiency characterized by recurrent bacterial and fungal infections as well as granuloma formation. The manifestations of this disease can involve single or multiple organ systems. The lungs are the most commonly affected organ; however, lymphatic, hepatic, skeletal, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, head and neck, and central nervous system involvement have also been described. Most patients present with symptoms in their first few years of life. Due to the nonspecific manner in which patients present, the pediatric radiologist may be among the first to recognize the pattern of infection, inflammation, and granuloma formation leading to a diagnosis of CGD. The purpose of this paper is to review the i...

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Immune Neuroendocrine Interactions during a Fungal Infection in Immunocompetent or Immunosuppressed Hosts

Neuroimmunomodulation — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Neuroimmunomodulation 2010;17:188191 (DOI:10.1159/000258720) (Source: Neuroimmunomodulation)

Aspergillus keratitis in vernal shield ulcer—a case report and review

International Ophthalmology — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 06:49:58 +0100

Abstract An unusual case of vernal shield ulcer with superadded fungal keratitis caused by Aspergillus fumigates is reported. A 26-year-old man, a known case of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) presented with the complaint of diminution of vision in the right eye. Patient was on topical steroids and anti-allergic treatment for the past two months. In the right eye, a shield ulcer with an elevated plaque was seen. Scrapings from the right cornea revealed fungal filaments on a wet KOH mount and culture revealed growth of Aspergillus fumigatus. The patient was diagnosed as VKC with shield ulcer with secondary fungal keratitis. The patient was treated with topical cyclosporine, topical moxifloxacin, topical natamycin, and topical amphotericin eye drops. The patient responded we...

Good's syndrome (hypogammaglobulinemia with thymoma) presenting intractable opportunistic infections and hyperkeratotic lichen planus

The Journal of Dermatology — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This report concerns a case of a 57-year-old man with GS manifesting intractable opportunistic infections and hyperkeratotic lichen planus. He had a past history of extended thymectomy for removal of thymoma. He consulted us about scaly and exudative intractable erythematous plaque on his right forearm. The histology was compatible with phlegmon coexisting with lichen planus. Laboratory examination results indicated hypogammaglobulinemia accompanied by complete absence of B cells, which is consistent with GS. Combined treatment with immunoglobulin replacement and administration of antibiotics and antifungal drugs was effective for the phlegmon and overlying fungal infection. The patient also presented with hyperkeratotic lichen planus on both knees and the right elbow, suggesting that intr...

FDA Accepts TOPICA'S Luliconazole IND To Begin Clinical Trials In Onychomycosis

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

TOPICA Pharmaceuticals, a privately-held biotechnology company, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted the company's Investigational New Drug (IND) application for the use of luliconazole, its lead product candidate, in patients with onychomycosis (nail and nail bed fungal infections). The company plans to initiate a Phase 1/2 trial in the first quarter. Luliconazole is one of the most potent and broad-spectrum topical antifungal agents in development and will be advancing to Phase 3 clinical development in the U.S. for tinea pedis (athlete's foot)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

FDA Accepts TOPICA'S Luliconazole IND To Begin Clinical Trials In Onychomycosis

Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News From Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

TOPICA Pharmaceuticals, a privately-held biotechnology company, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted the company's Investigational New Drug (IND) application for the use of luliconazole, its lead product candidate, in patients with onychomycosis (nail and nail bed fungal infections). The company plans to initiate a Phase 1/2 trial in the first quarter... (Source: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News From Medical News Today)

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Disseminated Histoplasmosis Associated with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in Kidney Transplant Recipients

American Journal of Transplantation — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We present two cases of persistent fever, weight loss and pancytopenia in kidney transplant recipients (originally concerning for posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease) that were later diagnosed with disseminated histoplasmosis on bone marrow and lymph node biopsy. In both patients, pancytopenia was due to hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) which has rarely been described in association with histoplasmosis and not previously reported in kidney transplant recipients with this fungal infection. The diagnosis of histoplasmosis can be complex due to nonspecific symptomatology, delays in isolating histoplasma by fungal culture and false-negative antibody titers in immunocompromised patients. A review of the literature including the clinical features of histoplasmosis in immunosuppres...

Effects of Combined Addition of Atovaquone and Lithium on the in Vitro Cell Growth of Pathogenic Yeast Candida albicans.

Yakugaku Zasshi : Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We examined the effects of atovaquone on cellular respiration and in vitro growth of C. albicans to explore a new therapeutic possibility for fungal infections. Atovaquone strongly inhibited glucose-dependent cellular respiration similarly to antimycin A, stigmatellin, and myxothiazol, specific bc(1) complex inhibitors. However, atovaquone suppressed glucose-dependent cell growth to a much lesser extent versus the comparator agents. When added alone, lithium exerted slight growth inhibition. The combined addition of lithium with atovaquone showed a significant increase in inhibition of growth. Although the way lithium acts synergistically with atovaquone remains to be elucidated, our results suggest a new therapeutic possibility of this combination for the treatment of candidosis. PMID...

Micafungin-induced hemolysis attack due to drug-dependent antibody persisting for more than 6 weeks

Leukemia Research — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 14:33:21 +0100

Micafungin, which is the class of echinocandin antifungal drugs that inhibit β-(1,3)-d-glucan synthesis that is the main composition element of fungal cell walls in the peculiarity and has an excellent antimycotic activity, possesses high effectiveness against invasive aspergillosis and Candida spp., it excels also in safety, and it is used for the management of fungal infections to neutropenic patients after intensive chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Nanri et al. recently reported 2 patients developing acute hemolysis followed by acute renal failure due to micafungin administration . They revealed that red blood cells (RBCs) caused agglutination by the mixture of micafungin and the patient's plasma samples in the indirect antiglobulin test (AGT). Acute hemolysis d...

Risk Factors and Outcomes of Fungal Ventricular‐Assist Device Infections

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:09:18 +0100

Conclusions. Fungi were responsible for approximately one‐fifth of VAD infections and were associated with a mortality rate of 91%. Restriction of total parenteral nutrition use is essential in decreasing the rate of fungal VAD infection. Trials are needed for investigating the use of echinocandins or lipid formulations of amphotericin B for prevention and/or treatment of fungal VAD infection. (Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

Fungal Infections in Hematologic Patients -- Best Strategies for Prevention and Treatment

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:09:04 +0100

Invasive fungal infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients, especially those with acute myeloid leukemia and those who have undergone stem cell transplantation. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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Moribund Ants Leave Their Nests to Die in Social Isolation.

Current Biology — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Heinze J, Walter B Animal societies provide perfect conditions for the spread of infections and are therefore expected to employ mechanisms that reduce the probability of transmitting pathogens to group members [1-4]. Death in nature rarely results from old age but commonly results from diseases. Leaving one's group to die in seclusion might be an efficient way of minimizing the risk of infecting kin. Anecdotal observations of moribund individuals deserting from their groups exist for several species, including humans (e.g., [5]), but have rarely been substantiated by quantitative analysis. Furthermore, to confirm that dying in solitude has evolved because of its altruistic benefits requires refuting the alternative explanation of pathogen manipulation of host behavior. Here w...

Dectin-1 Deficiency and Mucocutaneous Fungal Infections

New England Journal of Medicine — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

To the Editor: Mucocutaneous candidiasis is commonly seen in persons with deficient T-cell-mediated immunity, including newborn infants, patients with the ... (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)

Histone acetyltransferase Rtt109 is required for Candida albicans pathogenesis [Microbiology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:48:28 +0100

Candida albicans is a ubiquitous opportunistic pathogen that is the most prevalent cause of hospital-acquired fungal infections. In mammalian... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

Invasive Fungal Infections in the Intensive Care Unit

Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:37:55 +0100

Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2010; 31: 079-086DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1246289ABSTRACTInvasive fungal infections, especially candidemia and systemic candidiasis, have become a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the last few decades. This comes in parallel with the major advances made in intensive care. Patients who are critically ill, in medical or surgical ICUs are especially at risk for infections. Invasive candidiasis accounts for up to 15 to 30% of all nosocomial infections in critically ill patients. Management of these severe infections has been challenging due to a lack of rapid and reliable diagnostic methods, leading to delays in initiating appropriate antifungal therapy. However, some notable improvements have been made in diagnostics with improved culturing methods, rapid specie...

Review: Use of fluconazole in neonatal intensive care units

NeLM - News — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Arch Dis Childhood Area: News The Archives of Disease in Childhood has featured a review on the use of fluconazole in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The article discusses the following: . Criticisms and concerns about fluconazole use in NICU . What should be done to prevent candidaemia or invasive fungal infections (IFI)? The authors conclude that: "Prophylaxis with fluconazole is at the moment the only preventive measure for avoiding IFI in very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates in NICU that has been subjected to RCT. By preventing IFI, fluconazole might hopefully eliminate Candida as a cause of neurodevelopmental impairment and mortality and in all VLBW infants, and particularly in those weighing less than 1000g or born at 27 weeks or less,...

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Obituary: Mary English

Guardian Unlimited Science — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 18:38:39 +0100

Medical mycologist and writer of an award-winning book on MRSAMary English, who has died aged 90, was one of the leading medical mycologists of her time. Her pioneering work in establishing one of the first and most important medical mycology laboratories in Britain and her own studies of fungal infections earned her a considerable reputation. After her retirement in 1980 she embarked on a second career as a writer of scientific and social history, with notable biographies of the eminent Victorian naturalists Dr Edwin Lankester and Mordecai Cubitt Cooke, a founder of the British Mycological Society, who was also one of her forebears.Her final book, written with Professor Graham Ayliffe, was Hospital Infection: From Miasmas to MRSA (2003), a wide-ranging survey of the long history o...

Study suggests when dealing with fungi, it’s best to attack from both sides

Boston University News Releases — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:22:28 +0100

(Boston) – Each year, 83,000 life-threatening fungal infections cost us $2.6 billion. (Source: Boston University News Releases)

Epidemiology and outcome of invasive fungal infections in solid organ transplant recipients

Transplant Infectious Disease — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

D. Neofytos, J.A. Fishman, D. Horn, E. Anaissie, C.-H. Chang, A. Olyaei, M. Pfaller, W.J. Steinbach, K.M. Webster, K.A. Marr. Epidemiology and outcome of invasive fungal infections in solid organ transplant recipients.Transpl Infect Dis 2010: 7: 000[ndash]000. All rights reservedAbstract: Contemporary epidemiology and outcomes of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are not well described. From March 2004 through September 2007, proven and probable IFIs were prospectively identified in 17 transplant centers in the United States. A total 429 adult SOT recipients with 515 IFIs were identified; 362 patients received a single and 67 patients received [ge]2 organs. Most IFIs were caused by Candida species (59.0%), followed by Aspergillus species (24.8%), ...

Living the high life is risky business for toads under threat from fungus

EurekAlert! - Biology — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(Imperial College London) Midwife toads that live in the mountains are highly likely to die from a serious fungal infection, called chytridiomycosis, whereas their infected relatives in the lowlands are not, according to new research published today in Ecology Letters. (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)

Subcutaneous Phycomycosis--Fungal Infection Mimicking a Soft Tissue Tumor: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Journal of Tropical Pediatrics — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:17:53 +0100

We describe a representative case. A 10-year-old boy presented with a large swelling on the back of 3 months duration. Biopsy of the lesion confirmed the diagnosis of subcutaneous phycomycosis. There was complete resolution of the lesion after treatment with oral potassium iodide for 3 months. (Source: Journal of Tropical Pediatrics)

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Voriconazole is safe and effective as prophylaxis for early and late fungal infections following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Martin T, Sharma M, Damon L, Kaplan L, Guglielmo BJ, Working M, O'Malley R, Hwang J, Linker C (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

The role of an Ommaya reservoir in the management of children with cryptococcal meningitis

Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:36:25 +0100

We report two children who had cryptococcal meningitis and associated increased intracranial pressure, and were treated with an Ommaya reservoir. Both patients experienced rapid reversal of symptoms. At the time of discharge both patients had recovered and have remained asymptomatic. (Source: Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery)

Forty-one recent cases of invasive zygomycosis from a global clinical registry

Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:07:07 +0100

Conclusions Pathogen distribution and, consequently, drug susceptibility seem to vary across different geographic regions. Furthermore, protection from invasive zygomycosis for patients on posaconazole prophylaxis is not absolute. Our findings indicate that the use of liposomal amphotericin B as first-line treatment for patients diagnosed with zygomycoses merits further investigation, preferably in the form of a clinical trial. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)

Early outcomes using alemtuzumab induction in lung transplantation [Institutional report - Transplantation]

Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 23:13:41 +0100

Immunosuppressive regimens for lung transplantation frequently fail to prevent rejection and are toxic. Alemtuzumab was used as induction to investigate whether oral immunosuppression could be reduced. From November 2006 to March 2008, 20 consecutive lung transplant patients received alemtuzumab induction, with reduced maintenance immunosuppression; tacrolimus (target level 10 ng/ml), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) 250 mg bid and prednisone 7.5 mg. Twenty control cases transplanted before 2006 were treated with standard immunosuppression; tacrolimus (target level 10 ng/ml), MMF 750 mg bid and prednisone 15 mg qd. End-points included patient and graft survival, acute rejection (AR) and infection rate. There were no significant differences in six-month and 12-month survival ...

Epidemiology of paediatric invasive fungal infections and a case-control study of risk factors in acute leukaemia or post stem cell transplant

British Journal of Haematology — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Patients aged 0[ndash]18 years with confirmed or possible invasive fungal infection were identified by medical record and database searches. Cases with an underlying diagnosis of acute leukaemia or following stem cell transplantation were included in a case control study. Controls included all other children with acute leukaemia or stem cell transplant in the corresponding time period. Variables collected included demographics, underlying disease risk and status, organ impairment, admission to intensive care unit, fungal infection details and certain transplant variables. Risk factors for development of invasive fungal infection were examined using logistic regression. There were 106 cases of invasive fungal infection during the study. The incidence of invasive fungal infection was 21% in ...

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Skin Cancer Checks Needed for Patients on Voriconazole

Modern Medicine — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Patients receiving long-term treatment for fungal infections who show signs of photosensitivity or chronic photodamage should be monitored for skin cancer formation, according to an article published online Jan. 18 in the Archives of Dermatology. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Beta-glucan-CRM197 conjugates as candidates antifungal vaccines.

Vaccine — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bromuro C, Romano M, Chiani P, Berti F, Tontini M, Proietti D, Mori E, Torosantucci A, Costantino P, Rappuoli R, Cassone A A laminarin-diphtheria toxoid (CRM197) conjugate vaccine conferred protection against fungal infections in mice. We have now generated novel beta-glucan-CRM197 vaccines, with either natural (Curd-CRM197) or synthetic linear (15mer-CRM197), or beta-(1,6)-branched (17mer-CRM197) beta-(1,3)-oligosaccharides, formulated with the human-acceptable adjuvant MF59. Curd-CRM197 and 15mer-CRM197 conjugates, which induced high titers of anti-beta-(1,3)-glucan IgG, but no antibodies against beta-(1,6)-glucan, conferred protection to mice lethally challenged with C. albicans. In contrast, the 17mer-CRM197 conjugate, which induced anti-beta-(1,6)-glucan antibodies in add...

Impaired host defence against Mycobacterium avium in mice with chronic granulomatous disease

Clinical and Experimental Immunology — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), an inherited disorder of phagocytic cells, often contract recurrent life-threatening bacterial and fungal infections. CGD is considered to arise from a functional defect of the O2-generating nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase in phagocytes. To determine whether or not NADPH oxidase is crucial to the host defence against Mycobacterium avium, we investigated the response against M. avium using CGD model mice (gp91-phox-) of C57BL/6 strain. A tracheal injection of 1 × 107 colony-forming units (CFU)/head of M. avium strain FN into the CGD mice resulted in a pulmonary infection, while also increasing the mortality rate. In contrast, normal C57BL/6 mice injected with same dose of the organisms did not develop severe pul...

Impaired host defence against Mycobacterium avium in mice with chronic granulomatous disease.

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Fujita M, Harada E, Matsumoto T, Mizuta Y, Ikegame S, Ouchi H, Inoshima I, Yoshida S, Watanabe K, Nakanishi Y Summary Patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), an inherited disorder of phagocytic cells, often contract recurrent life-threatening bacterial and fungal infections. CGD is considered to arise from a functional defect of the O(2)-generating nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase in phagocytes. To determine whether or not NADPH oxidase is crucial to the host defence against Mycobacterium avium, we investigated the response against M. avium using CGD model mice (gp91-phox(-)) of C57BL/6 strain. A tracheal injection of 1 x 10(7) colony-forming units (CFU)/head of M. avium strain FN into the CGD mice resulted in a pulmonary infection, while ...

Melanoma Associated With Long-term Voriconazole Therapy: A New Manifestation of Chronic Photosensitivity [Observation]

Archives of Dermatology — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 20:45:04 +0100

Conclusions We recommend surveillance for skin cancer formation in all patients who require long-term voriconazole treatment, particularly those who manifest signs or symptoms of photosensitivity or chronic photodamage. Further study of the mechanism underlying voriconazole photosensitivity and oncogenesis is warranted.Published online January 18, 2010 (doi:10.1001 /archdermatol.2009.362). (Source: Archives of Dermatology)

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[Update: invasive fungal infections : Diagnosis and treatment in surgical intensive care medicine.]

Der Anaesthesist — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lichtenstern C, Swoboda S, Hirschburger M, Domann E, Hoppe-Tichy T, Winkler M, Lass-Flörl C, Weigand MA Fungal infections are of great relevance in surgical intensive care and Candida species represent the predominant part of fungal pathogens. Invasive aspergillosis is also relevant especially in patients with chronic pulmonary diseases. It is crucial for therapy success to begin adequate antifungal treatment at an early stage of the disease. Risk stratification of individual patient symptoms is essential for therapy timing. In case of suspected or proven candida infection, fluconazole is the agent of choice when the patient is clinically stable and no azoles have been administrated in advance and the local epidemiology makes azol resistance unlikely. For clinically insta...

Disease epidemic killing only US bats

news@nature.com — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:00:00 +0100

European bats seemingly unaffected by fungal infection. (Source: news@nature.com)

The value and practicality of granulocyte transfusion: a single oncology centre experience

Transfusion Medicine — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

summary. There is an increased risk of infection in patients with neutropaenia, especially in those with neutrophil counts of less than 0·5 × 109/L, and neutropaenia-associated infection remains a limiting factor in treating malignancy especially of haematopoietic origin. Transfusing donor neutrophils is a logical approach to these problems, but granulocyte transfusion (GTx), a practice first advocated in the 1960s, is underused and although now enjoying resurgence, remains controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the practical aspects of GTx and clinical responses in patients receiving them. This is an observational retrospective review of GTx in patients undergoing therapy for predominantly haematological malignancies. We reviewed blood bank records and identified patients...

Multiple Modality Treatment Regimen in an Aggressive Resistant Fungal Hand Infection: A Case Report

Hand — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 06:47:22 +0100

We present the case of a 3-year-old female who, while receiving induction chemotherapy, developed a progressive Aspergillus flavus infection. Involvement included the distal palm and common and proper neurovascular bundles to two fingers. Initial treatments with serial debridement and topical Dakin’s solution were unsuccessful in eliminating this fungal infection. A novel treatment using topical voriconazole mixed with Aquaphor® (Beiersdorf AG; Hamburg, Germany) was compounded in the hospital pharmacy to maintain a moist wound healing environment followed by the use of the Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC®, Kinetic Concepts, San Antonio, TX). Significant improvement was noted within 4 days with this new dressing regimen. Topical voriconazole therapy followed by VAC allowed progr...

Caspofungin for post solid organ transplant invasive fungal disease: results of a retrospective observational study

Transplant Infectious Disease — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study was designed to determine clinical outcomes with caspofungin in patients with proven or probable invasive fungal infection (IFI) after a solid organ transplant (SOT) procedure. In this retrospective observational study, data were collected for a single episode of IFI in patients with an SOT between January 2004 and June 2007. Response was determined by the investigator as favorable (complete or partial) or unfavorable (stable disease or failure) at the end of caspofungin therapy (EOCT). The primary effectiveness population was the proportion of patients who received [ge]5 doses of caspofungin (modified all-patients-treated population). Safety was assessed for patients who received [ge]1 dose of caspofungin. A total 81 of patients from 13 sites in China, Germany, Italy, and the U...

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Immunocompromised Hosts: Fungal Infections in Leukemia Patients: How Do We Prevent and Treat Them?

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:44:58 +0100

Clinical Infectious Diseases, Volume 50, Issue 3, Page 405-415, 1 February 2010. Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with acute or chronic leukemia. Advances in the pharmacotherapy of fungal infections and a shift in the epidemiological characteristics of fungal pathogens toward fluconazole‐resistant Candida species and saprophytic molds have placed a greater emphasis on selection of broader‐spectrum agents for empirical therapy of IFIs in this high‐risk population. Newer diagnostic modalities, such as the Aspergillus galactomannan test, the 1,3‐β‐d‐glucan test, and polymerase chain reaction detection of fungal DNA, may facilitate the earlier diagnosis of IFIs, but their role in detecting breakthrough infecti...

Mucormycosis complications in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Lupus — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Arce-Salinas CA, Pérez-Silva E This case involved a 75-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus. Two months previously, she had a flare that was treated successfully by increasing the dosages of prednisone and azathioprine. A sudden onset of ocular pain, diplopia, and loss of vision suggestive of optical neuritis or vascular involvement confused the issue, and rhinocerebral zygomycosis was demonstrated later. We review the presentations of this fungal infection in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus with emphasis on its initial features. PMID: 20064915 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Lupus)

Efficacy of Posaconazole as Treatment and Prophylaxis against Fusarium solani.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wiederhold NP, Najvar LK, Bocanegra R, Graybill JR, Patterson TF Invasive fusariosis is a highly aggressive fungal infection associated with high mortality in heavily immunocompromised patients. Although posaconazole is efficacious as salvage therapy against infections caused by Fusarium species, concerns remain regarding this agent in the setting of reduced potency. To evaluate the efficacy of posaconazole as treatment or prophylaxis against invasive fusariosis caused by F. solani, we utilized a neutropenic murine model of disseminated disease. ICR mice were administered escalating doses of posaconazole (6.25, 12.5, 25, or 50 mg/kg BID) by oral gavage beginning 2 days prior to inoculation in the prophylaxis studies or beginning12 hours after inoculation as treatment. Therapy ...

Current therapeutic approaches to fungal infections in immunocompromised hematological patients

Blood Reviews — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Summary: Invasive fungal infections are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with hematological malignancies. Patients with acute myeloid leukemia and those who have undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are at especially high risk. Various fungal agents are responsible for this complication, but Aspergillus spp. and Candida spp. are the most frequently isolated micro-organisms; less commonly, infections could be caused by Zygomycetes or other rare molds or yeasts.Several new systemically-administered antifungal agents have been approved for clinical use since 2001; these agents include liposomal amphotericin B, voriconazole, caspofungin, and posaconazole, and they represent a major advance in antifungal therapy and have improved the prognosis of...

Acanthamoeba keratitis with Curvularia co-infection

Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:14:05 +0100

We report a case of Acanthamoeba keratitis with Curvularia co-infection. Acanthamoeba and fungal co-infection have been uncommonly reported in literature, worldwide. A classical history with a strong clinical suspicion and experienced laboratory personnel with systematic examination of corneal scrapings for bacterial, viral, parasitic and fungal causes are imperative for accurate diagnosis. Early diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis or fungal infection followed by aggressive and appropriate treatment with effective agents is critical for the retention of good vision. Acanthamoeba�...

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Pacing lead endocarditis due to Aspergillus fumigatus

Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:14:05 +0100

We present here a case of Aspergillus fumigatus tricuspid valve endocarditis associated with permanent pacemaker leads. Tricuspid valve vegetectomy was done and the pacing leads were also removed. Culture from the excised vegetation grew Aspergillus fumigatus. The patient was started on IV Amphotericin B for eight weeks. The patient was subsequently followed up in the out-patient clinic, and remains afebrile after one year, with no evidence of any vegetation. (Source: Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology)

PCR-based diagnosis of human fungal infections

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Khot PD, Fredricks DN (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)

Fungal Infections in Leukemia Patients: How Do We Prevent and Treat Them?

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:02:21 +0100

Clinical Infectious Diseases, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Latest Articles. Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with acute or chronic leukemia. Advances in the pharmacotherapy of fungal infections and a shift in the epidemiological characteristics of fungal pathogens toward fluconazole‐resistant Candida species and saprophytic molds have placed a greater emphasis on selection of broader‐spectrum agents for empirical therapy of IFIs in this high‐risk population. Newer diagnostic modalities, such as the Aspergillus galactomannan test, the 1,3‐β‐d‐glucan test, and polymerase chain reaction detection of fungal DNA, may facilitate the earlier diagnosis of IFIs, but their role in detecting breakthrough infection an...

Review paper The influence of P-glycoprotein and certain cytochrome P-450 isoenzymes on antimycotic azoles

Articles of Advances in Dermatology and Allergology - TERMEDIA publishing house — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 11:56:20 +0100

Systemic antifungal drugs are widely used to treat superficial dermatomycosis as well as invasive fungal infections. Similarly to other therapeutic agents, these compounds may also cause adverse effects and drug-drug interactions. In the majority of these processes transmembrane transporter P-glycoprotein and cytochrome P-450 isoenzymes are involved. They may be responsible for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions via either the influence on liberation, absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion or on the modification of the treatment results. Co-administration of two or more drugs that may be substrates, inducers or inhibitors of P-glycoprotein and cytochrome P-450 isozymes can lead to alteration of the drug concentrations in biological fluids and – as a conseque...

Ranbaxy launches anti-fungal chemical in India

The Economic Times Healthcare and Biotech News — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 08:17:30 +0100

Drug major Ranbaxy Laboratories on Monday said it has launched a new chemical, Lulifin (Luliconazole), used in the treatment of fungal infection. (Source: The Economic Times Healthcare and Biotech News)

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Ranbaxy launches anti-fungal chemical in India

The Economic Times Healthcare and Biotech News — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 08:17:30 +0100

Necrotising external otitis caused by Aspergillus wentii: a case report

Mycoses — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Necrotising external otitis (NEO) is a destructive, potentially fatal, infection usually seen in elderly diabetics or the immunocompromised. The commonest causative organism is Pseudomonas but immunocompromised patients are additionally susceptible to opportunistic infections. Here we describe the first reported case of NEO caused by a previously unknown human pathogen [ndash]Aspergillus wentii. A review of the literature reveals that fungal NEO is associated with a high rate of cranial nerve palsies suggesting that infections are not being treated rapidly enough to prevent morbidity. Fungal infection should be considered early in immunocompromised patients and microbiological diagnosis should be obtained wherever possible. (Source: Mycoses)

Cryptococcal choroid plexitis: rare imaging findings of central nervous system cryptococcal infection in an immunocompetent individual.

The British Journal of Radiology — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kumari R, Raval M, Dhun A Central nervous system (CNS) cryptococcosis is a common opportunistic fungal infection in immunocompromised patients, and the imaging findings differ from those in immunocompetent patients. Here, we present the imaging findings in an immunocompetent woman of a rare case of central nervous system cryptococcal choroid plexitis with trapped temporal horns, enlarged enhancing bilateral choroid plexuses and multiple intraventricular choroid plexus cysts. PMID: 20139243 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The British Journal of Radiology)

Preliminary Experience With Alemtuzumab Induction Therapy Combined With Maintenance Low-Dose Tacrolimus Monotherapy in Small-Bowel Transplantation in China

Transplantation Proceedings — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our preliminary experience in these 5 cases showed that the protocol combining alemtuzumab induction therapy with low-dose tacrolimus monotherapy without maintenance steroid therapy past-SBTx can effectively control rejection with excellent graft function. Nevertheless, close surveillance of ACR should be still performed after 6 months. (Source: Transplantation Proceedings)

Early and Late Infections in Lung Transplantation Patients

Transplantation Proceedings — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The critical period for infections in lung transplantation patients is the first 3 months, especially for those of bacterial etiology. CMV diseases were more common in seronegative patients and fungal infections in airway injury cases. (Source: Transplantation Proceedings)

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Elective Amputation of the Toes in Severe Lymphedema of the Lower Leg: Rationale and Indications

Journal of Vascular Surgery — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:18:58 +0100

Conclusion: Elective toe amputation in combination with the Charles procedure reduces long-term morbidity associated with advanced lymphedema of the lower limb. Summary: In advanced lymphedema, the skin develops a peau d'orange appearance with papillomatosis and hyperkeratosis. These changes lead to gradual sealing of the intradigital spaces, with resulting bacterial and fungal infection and worsening of lymphedema. Between January 1990 and July 2006, the authors offered an elective Charles procedure along with disarticulation of the toes to their patients with stage III lymphedema (elephantiasis with a grossly increased volume of the limb associated with dermatosclerosis and papillomatosis lesions). Ten patients underwent an elective Charles procedure accompanied with toe disarticulation...

Fluconazole Prophylaxis in High-Risk Neonates (January).

The Annals of Pharmacotherapy — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: While it may be beneficial for critically ill neonates with certain predisposing risk factors (eg, central venous access, sustained exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics, or units with significantly high incidence of invasive fungal infections), existing research does not support the use of fluconazole prophylaxis based on birth weight or gestational age alone. Multifactor analysis evaluating the effect of fluconazole prophylaxis is necessary to establish which neonates would benefit from this practice. PMID: 20040701 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Annals of Pharmacotherapy)

New Compounds May Control Deadly Fungal Infections

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +0100

An estimated 25,000 Americans develop severe fungal infections each year, leading to 10,000 deaths despite the use of anti-fungal drugs. The associated cost to the U.S. health care system has been estimated at $1 billion a year. Now two Syracuse University scientists have developed new brominated furanones that exhibit powerful anti-fungal properties. The most virulent fungus is Candida albicans, which is carried by about 75 percent of the public... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

New Compounds May Control Deadly Fungal Infections

MRSA / Drug Resistance News From Medical News Today — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +0100

An estimated 25,000 Americans develop severe fungal infections each year, leading to 10,000 deaths despite the use of anti-fungal drugs. The associated cost to the U.S. health care system has been estimated at $1 billion a year. Now two Syracuse University scientists have developed new brominated furanones that exhibit powerful anti-fungal properties... (Source: MRSA / Drug Resistance News From Medical News Today)

New Compounds May Control Deadly Fungal Infections

MRSA / Drug Resistance News From Medical News Today — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +0100

An estimated 25,000 Americans develop severe fungal infections each year, leading to 10,000 deaths despite the use of anti-fungal drugs. The associated cost to the U.S. health care system has been estimated at $1 billion a year. Now two Syracuse University scientists have developed new brominated furanones that exhibit powerful anti-fungal properties... (Source: MRSA / Drug Resistance News From Medical News Today)

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New compounds may control deadly fungal infections

ScienceDaily Headlines — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 07:00:00 +0100

An estimated 25,000 Americans develop severe fungal infections each year, leading to 10,000 deaths despite the use of anti-fungal drugs. The associated cost to the US health care system has been estimated at $1 billion a year. Now two scientists have developed new brominated furanones that exhibit powerful anti-fungal properties. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Authors’ Reply Regarding A Letter to the Editor By Lane et al. Concerning Association Between Moxifloxacin Ophthalmic Solution and Fungal Infection in Patients With Corneal Ulcers and Microbial Keratitis

Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 01:04:31 +0100

Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics Dec 2009, Vol. 25, No. 6: 573-576. (Source: Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics)

Association Between Moxifloxacin Ophthalmic Solution and Fungal Infection in Patients With Corneal Ulcers and Microbial Keratitis

Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 01:04:04 +0100

Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics Dec 2009, Vol. 25, No. 6: 571-572. (Source: Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics)

Invasive pulmonary fungal infection accompanied by severe hemoptysis in patients with hematologic diseases: a report of nine cases

The Aspergillus Website - articles — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Qiu L, He J, Ye X, Xie W, Shi J, Zheng W, Sun J, Zhu X, Cai Z, Huang H, Lin M (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)