Fungal InfectionsThis is an RSS file. You can use it to subscribe to this data in your favourite RSS reader, such as GoogleReader, or to display this data on your own website or blog. Subscribe to this data using MyMedWorm.Subscribe to this data using GoogleReader.Subscribe to this data using Bloglines.Subscribe to this data using MyYahoo.

This page shows you your search results in order of date.

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

1659 records returned

WPI Researchers Take Aim At Hard-To-Treat Fungal InfectionsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
A team of researchers at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Life Sciences and Bioengineering Center at Gateway Park has developed a new model system to study fungal infections. The system can be a powerful tool for screening potential drug targets for conditions like thrush, athlete's foot and vaginal yeast infections, which affect millions of people each year but are difficult to treat with existing medications. (Source: GastroIntestinal News From Medical News Today)
Source: GastroIntestinal News From Medical News Today - November 21, 2009 Category: Gastroenterology Tags: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses Source Type: news

The use of fluconazole in neonatal intensive care unitsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This article summarises current evidence on the use of fluconazole in preterm neonates and discusses the concerns surrounding its use in nurseries. (Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood)
Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood - November 20, 2009 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Manzoni, P, Mostert, M, Jacqz-Aigrain, E, Farina, D Tags: Epidemiologic studies, Drugs: infectious diseases, Neonatal and paediatric intensive care, Neonatal intensive care Drug therapy Source Type: journals

Pulmonary fungal infection with hyalohyphomycosis associated with zygomycosis and Actinomyces spp. in a patient with ankylosing spondylitisEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
A espondilite anquilosante (EA) pode cursar com manifestações extra-articulares e, dentre elas, as pulmonares. A fibrose nos ápices pulmonares ocorre em até 30% dos casos e as formações císticas são menos frequentes e observadas em casos avançados. A colonização dessas cavidades é uma complicação rara. Um paciente com diagnóstico de EA desde 1998, com comprometimento axial, histórico de tuberculose pulmonar tratada em 2002 e 2007, evoluiu com um quadro de aspergilose bilateral em ápices pulmonares associada à zigomicose e Actinomyces spp. Havia sido internado para investigar queixa de emagrecimento, sudor...
Source: Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia - November 20, 2009 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: journals

Microscopically differentiating dermatophytes from sock fibersEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion: While textile fibers may be present in KOH preparations, their general appearance typically differs from that of dermatophytes; an observer who is familiar with these distinctions will be able to differentiate between the two. (Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology)
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology - November 19, 2009 Category: Dermatology Authors: Abraar Karan, Ali Alikhan, Steven R. Feldman Tags: Dermatopathology Source Type: journals

WPI researchers take aim at hard-to-treat fungal infectionsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
(Worcester Polytechnic Institute) Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a new model system to study fungal infections. The system can be a powerful tool for screening potential drug targets for conditions like thrush, athlete's foot and vaginal yeast infections, which affect millions of people each year but are difficult to treat with existing medications. Using the new model, the researchers also identified a gene that may be a promising target for a new anti-fungal drug. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - November 19, 2009 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news

Polymicrobial lung infection in postrenal transplant recipient diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration cytologyEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We report a case of concomitant pulmonary cryptococcosis, aspergillosis, and tuberculosis in a renal transplant recipient diagnosed on FNAC.A 50-year-old renal transplant recipient, asymptomatic for 3 year, presented with intermittent low-grade fever associated with cough, expectoration, and a newly developed cavitatory lesion in the left lung on chest X-ray. Computed tomography-guided FNAC performed on the lung lesion showed fungal profiles with septate hyphae and acute-angled branching consistent with morphology of Aspergillus. In addition, numerous yeast forms of cryptococcus and a few acid-fast mycobacterial tubercle b...
Source: Diagnostic Cytopathology - November 19, 2009 Category: Pathology Authors: Rajan Duggal, Arvind Rajwanshi, Nalini Gupta, Anupam Lal, Manphool Singhal Source Type: journals

Inflammatory Monocytes Facilitate Adaptive CD4 T Cell Responses during Respiratory Fungal Infection.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Aspergillus fumigatus, a ubiquitous fungus, causes invasive disease in immunocompromised humans. Although monocytes and antigen-specific CD4 T cells contribute to defense against inhaled fungal spores, how these cells interact during infection remains undefined. Investigating the role of inflammatory monocytes and monocyte-derived dendritic cells during fungal infection, we find that A. fumigatus infection induces an influx of chemokine receptor CCR2- and Ly6C-expressing inflammatory monocytes into lungs and draining lymph nodes. Depletion of CCR2(+) cells reduced A. fumigatus conidial transport from lungs to draining ...
Source: Cell Host and Microbe - November 18, 2009 Category: Microbiology Authors: Hohl TM, Rivera A, Lipuma L, Gallegos A, Shi C, Mack M, Pamer EG Tags: Cell Host Microbe Source Type: journals

Substrate specificity and inhibition of brassinin hydrolases, detoxifying enzymes from the plant pathogens Leptosphaeria maculans and Alternaria brassicicolaEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Blackleg (Leptosphaeria maculans and Leptosphaeria biglobosa) and black spot (Alternaria brassicicola) fungi are devastating plant pathogens known to detoxify the plant defence metabolite, brassinin. The significant roles of brassinin as a crucifer phytoalexin and as a biosynthetic precursor of several other plant defences make it important in plant fitness. Brassinin detoxifying enzymes produced by L. maculans and A. brassicicola catalyse the detoxification of brassinin by hydrolysis of its dithiocarbamate group to indolyl-3-methanamine. The purification and characterization of brassinin hydrolases produced by L. maculans...
Source: FEBS Journal - November 18, 2009 Category: Research Authors: M. Soledade C. Pedras, Zoran Minic, Vijay K. Sarma-Mamillapalle Source Type: journals

Levamisole tainted cocaine causing severe neutropenia in Alberta and British ColumbiaEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Background: Five cases of severe neutropenia (neutrophil counts < 0.5 per 109 cells/L) associated with exposure to cocaine and levamisole, an antihelimithic agent no longer available in Canada, were identified in Alberta in 2008. Alberta and British Columbia (BC) public health officials issued an advisory and urged health care professionals to report cases to public health. This paper presents the findings of the public health investigations. Methods: Cases were identified prospectively through reporting by clinicians and a retrospective review of laboratory and medical examiners data from January 1, 2006 to March 31, 2009...
Source: Harm Reduction Journal - November 17, 2009 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Lewinda KnowlesJane BuxtonNataliya SkuridinaIfeoma AchebeDonald LeGattShihe FanNancy ZhuJames Talbot Source Type: journals

Hiv-related immune reconstitution cryptococcal meningoradiculitis: corticosteroid responseEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
(Source: Neurology)
Source: Neurology - November 16, 2009 Category: Neurology Authors: Brunel, A., Makinson, A., de Champfleur, N. M., Thouvenot, E., Le Moing, V., Lefalher, G., Bonafe, A., Reynes, J. Tags: MRI, Meningitis, fungal infections, HIV, Spinal cord infection CLINICAL/SCIENTIFIC NOTES Source Type: journals

Management of obstructive renal failure caused by bilateral renal aspergilloma in an immunocompetent newborn.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Kidneys fungal infection is a rare condition which has been reported in premature babies and in diabetic or immunocompromised adult patients. Candida spp is the most frequent microorganism involved. This paper reports a case of an immunocompetent newborn with a bladder exstrophy who suffered from an acute renal failure caused by bilateral renal aspergilloma (Aspergillus flavus). The newborn was treated with amphotericin B urinary tract irrigation through bilateral nephrostomy catheters combined with liposomal amphotericin B and voriconazole therapy, which improved his renal function. However, due to persistent fungal c...
Source: Journal of Medical Microbiology - November 12, 2009 Category: Microbiology Authors: Martinez-Pajares JD, Martinez-Ferriz C, Moreno-Perez D, Garcia-Ramirez M, Martin-Carballido S, Blanch-Iribarne P Tags: J Med Microbiol Source Type: journals

A rescue therapy with a combination of caspofungin and liposomal amphotericin B or voriconazole in children with haematological malignancy and refractory invasive fungal infectionsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Combination treatment of paediatric invasive fungal infections (IFIs) has rarely been reported. A total of 17 children with 19 IFI episodes were enrolled in the study. The median age of the patients was 5.3 (range 0.5[ndash]17) years. IFI was classified as proven in 4, probable in 12 and possible in 3 episodes. These patients received empiric antifungal treatment, which consisted of liposomal amphotericin B (LAmB) monotherapy for a median duration of 12 days (range 3[ndash]69 days). All patients were refractory to LAmB; therefore, caspofungin was added to the therapy in 11 patients. In the remaining six patients, LAmB was ...
Source: Mycoses - November 10, 2009 Category: Research Authors: Deniz Yilmaz, Can Balkan, Yilmaz Ay, Mehmet Akin, Bulent Karapinar, Kaan Kavakli Source Type: journals

Mortality, length of hospitalization, and costs associated with invasive fungal infections in high-risk patientsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Menzin J, Meyers JL, Friedman M, Perfect JR, Langston AA, Danna RP, Papadopoulos G (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)
Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles - November 6, 2009 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: consumer

Dectin-2 is a Syk-coupled pattern recognition receptor crucial for Th17 responses to fungal infectionEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Robinson MJ, Osorio F, Rosas M, Freitas RP, Schweighoffer E, Gross O, Verbeek JS, Ruland J, Tybulewicz V, Brown GD, Moita LF, Taylor PR, Reis e Sousa C (Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles)
Source: The Aspergillus Website - articles - November 6, 2009 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: consumer

What is the role of therapeutic drug monitoring in antifungal therapy?Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Despite an expanding number of therapeutic options for treating invasive fungal infection (IFI), the mortality rate from these infections remains high. Many risk factors for poor outcome from IFI (eg, the compromised immune status of the host) are not modifiable by the treating clinician. Thus, elevated interest exists in any modifiable factor that might improve outcome. Many of the new antifungal agents have marked variability in drug concentration based on either inconsistent absorption or elimination, leading to very wide interpatient variability. Many agents also have a narrow therapeutic index,...
Source: Current Infectious Disease Reports - November 5, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: Current Infectious Disease Reports Source Type: journals

New immunosuppressive agents and risk for invasive fungal infectionsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Increased numbers of invasive fungal infections (IFI) were reported in patients treated with newer immunosuppressive drugs such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α antagonists, the anti-CD52 antibody alemtuzumab, or the interleukin-2 receptor antibody basiliximab. These drugs are administered to patients who have autoimmune inflammatory diseases and lymphoid malignancies, or are recipients of solid organ or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants. IFI risk is higher in patients receiving TNF-α blockers or alemtuzumab late in the course of disease and in those with a history of IFI. Incidence a...
Source: Current Infectious Disease Reports - November 5, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: Current Infectious Disease Reports Source Type: journals

Update on invasive opportunistic mycoses: Clinical trials review, 2008–2009Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This article summarizes five of the most relevant clinical trials related to prevention and treatment of opportunistic fungal infections in adult patients published between 2008 and 2009. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11908-009-0060-0Authors Andreas H. Groll, Children’s University Hospital Infectious Disease Research Program, Center for Bone Marrow Transplantation and Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Albert-Schweitzer-Strasse 33 48129 Münster Germany Journal Current Infectious Disease ReportsOnline ISSN 1534-3146Print ISSN 1523-3847 Journal Volume Volume 11 Journal Issue Volume...
Source: Current Infectious Disease Reports - November 5, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: Current Infectious Disease Reports Source Type: journals

Prophylaxis of invasive mycoses in solid organ transplantationEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Solid organ transplantation is emerging as a lifesaving procedure for increasing numbers of patients, and invasive fungal infections are a significant cause of mortality and morbidity for patients undergoing such procedures. Risks for developing these infections are continuing to evolve, leading to shifts in the epidemiology of invasive mycoses occurring after transplantation. Targeting preventive efforts to select solid organ transplantation groups at highest risk for invasive fungal infections is critical to optimizing prophylaxis strategies. The epidemiology of posttransplantation fungal infectio...
Source: Current Infectious Disease Reports - November 5, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: Current Infectious Disease Reports Source Type: journals

Risk-based antifungal prophylaxis in hematologic malignancy and stem cell transplantationEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This article discusses recent developments in antifungal prophylaxis, focusing on those expected to affect patient management. Significant advances have occurred in understanding risk stratification and assessment of individual patient risk for drug-drug interactions, toxicity, or variations in pharmacokinetics; choice of antifungal prophylaxis strategy, drug, dose, route, and regimen; therapeutic drug monitoring; cost effectiveness of prophylaxis; and the significance of breakthrough IFI. Research over the coming decade is likely to fundamentally alter antifungal prophylaxis by allowing clinicians to make individuali...
Source: Current Infectious Disease Reports - November 5, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: Current Infectious Disease Reports Source Type: journals

Open study on the topical treatment of interdigital fungal infections in diabetic patientsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Journal of Wound Care, Vol. 18, Iss. 11, 06 Nov 2009, pp 470 - 473 (Source: Contents for Journal of Wound Care, Volume 18 Issue 4 (26 March 2009))
Source: Contents for Journal of Wound Care, Volume 18 Issue 4 (26 March 2009) - November 5, 2009 Category: Nursing Authors: A. Johansson, Å. Ljungh, J. Apelqvist Source Type: journals

Vertebral osteomyelitis with a rare etiology diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration cytologyEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We report one such case of vertebral osteomyelitis due to Aspergillus diagnosed by FNAC in a well-controlled diabetic patient who presented with nonspecific symptoms and in whom a clinical and radiological diagnosis of Pott's spine was considered. The present case stresses the importance of early cytologic diagnosis of vertebral Aspergillus osteomyelitis, which in conjunction with appropriate timely medical and surgical treatment, offers good recovery without much sequelae or threat to life. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Diagnostic Cytopathology)
Source: Diagnostic Cytopathology - November 5, 2009 Category: Pathology Authors: BN Nandeesh, Usha Kini, Betty Alexander Source Type: journals

Sodium Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors as a New Treatment for Diabetes Mellitus.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion: SGLT2 inhibitors are showing promise as a useful addition to the current therapeutic options in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Results of ongoing phase III clinical trials are awaited and will determine whether the risk-benefit ratio will allow approval of this new class of drug for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. PMID: 19892839 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism)
Source: The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism - November 5, 2009 Category: Endocrinology Authors: Nair S, Wilding JP Tags: J Clin Endocrinol Metab Source Type: journals

Voriconazole serum concentrations in prophylactically treated acute myelogenous leukaemia patientsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Antifungal prophylaxis during first remission induction chemotherapy for acute myelogenous leukaemia requires broad spectrum azoles. In a clinical trial, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of antifungal prophylaxis with voriconazole 200 mg bid was evaluated in a population of six patients. High pressure liquid chromatography was applied. Trough levels were obtained 24 h after the last voriconazole dose. Median time of voriconazole exposure prior to sample acquisition was 16 days (range 9[ndash]21). The mean voriconazole concentration was 486 [mu]g l[minus]1 and ranged from 136 [mu]g l[minus]1 to 1257 [mu]g l[minus]1. Among ...
Source: Mycoses - November 4, 2009 Category: Research Authors: Maria J. G. T. Rüping, Carsten Müller, Jörg J. Vehreschild, Angelika Böhme, Sabine Mousset, Urs Harnischmacher, Peter Frommolt, Gernot Wassmer, Ivonne Drzisga, Michael Hallek, Oliver A. Cornely Source Type: journals

Original Article: Superficial cutaneous fungal infections in tropical countriesEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Superficial fungal infections represent an important cause of morbidity for people worldwide, particularly in the tropics. Fungal infections affect the skin, hair, or the nails, and tend to thrive in the heat and humidity of tropical countries. Because of environmental and cultural factors unique to the tropics, the causative organisms and presentation of these infections may differ from those in industrialized countries. Treatment options include topical and systemic therapy. However, social and socioeconomic factors in developing tropical countries may necessitate different treatment approaches to achieve success. (Sourc...
Source: Dermatologic Therapy - November 4, 2009 Category: Dermatology Authors: Alix J. Charles Tags: Original Articles Source Type: journals

Sinus aspergilloma in rheumatoid arthritis before or during tumor necrosis factor-alpha antagonist therapyEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusions: Otorhinolaryngological symptoms must be evaluated before starting or switching TNF-alpha antagonists. Routine computed tomography of the sinuses before starting or switching TNF-alpha antagonists may deserve consideration. (Source: BioMed Central)
Source: BioMed Central - November 3, 2009 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Ariane LeboimeJean-Marie BerthelotYannick AllanoreLama Khalil-KallouchePhilippe HermanPhilippe OrcelFrederic Liote Source Type: journals

C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 responses for differentiating fungal and bacterial aetiology in late-onset neonatal sepsisEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This study examined the predictive value of the combined evaluation of the C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) responses for differentiating fungal and bacterial aetiologies in patients with NS. From January to September 2007, neonates who were diagnosed with NS and had their CRP and IL-6 levels measured were selected. Based on their blood culture results, the neonates were divided into two groups: group of fungal sepsis (FS) and group of bacterial sepsis (BS). FS included 14 Candida albicans and one non-albicans Candida isolates and BS included five Klebsiella pneumoniae, three Pseudomonas aeruginosa, three ...
Source: Mycoses - November 3, 2009 Category: Research Authors: Suna Serife Oguz, Erden Sipahi, Ugur Dilmen Source Type: journals

Superficial fungal infectionsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract: Superficial fungal infections or mycoses are common treatable conditions seen in everyday clinical practice, although they may also present differently in immunosuppressed patients. The dermatophyte or ringworm infections, superficial candidosis of the mouth, skin or genital tract and infections due to Malassezia, such as pityriasis versicolor, are the main conditions. Although they present with typical clinical changes, generally diagnosis is enhanced by direct microscopy or culture of suitable samples. Treatment largely depends on the use of azole (imidazole/triazole) or allylamine antifungals, applied in short...
Source: Medicine - November 1, 2009 Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Roderick Hay Tags: Skin and soft tissue infections Source Type: journals

Re: Infection control in burn patients: are fungal infections underestimated?Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
A response to Struck MF. Infection control in burn patients: are fungal infections underestimated? Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med. 2009 Oct 9;17(1):51. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 19818134. (Source: Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine)
Source: Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine - October 31, 2009 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: David Dries Source Type: journals

Genetic Links To Fungal Infection Risk IdentifiedEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Two genetic mutations that may put individuals at increased risk of fungal infections have been identified by scientists, increasing understanding about the genetic basis of these infections and potentially aiding the development of new treatments. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)
Source: ScienceDaily Headlines - October 31, 2009 Category: Science Source Type: news

EditorialEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The respiratory tract is the portal of entry for most invasive fungal infections. Not surprisingly, the initial manifestations of invasive fungal infections are often related to the respiratory tract, and for many fungi, respiratory symptoms are the only manifestation of infection. Fungal infections have emerged as major causes of morbidity and mortality in the last decade. This emergence is clearly related to increasing numbers of immunosupressed patients. In addition to larger numbers of patients with fungal infections, the spectrum of fungi causing infection has expanded considerably. (Source: Paediatric Respiratory Reviews)
Source: Paediatric Respiratory Reviews - October 30, 2009 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Cecília Bittencourt Severo, Luiz Carlos Severo, Gilberto Bueno Fischer Tags: Mini-symposium: Fungi and The Paediatric Lung Source Type: journals

ParacoccidioidomycosisEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Summary: Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic fungal infection caused by Paracoccidoides brasiliensis. The infection is endemic in subtropical areas of Latin America and has a high prevalence in Brazil. The disease is acquired by airborne inhalation of conidia and is frequently observed in adult male rural workers. The juvenile type of this mycosis is less prevalent (5-10% of clinical cases) and attacks both sexes. This clinical form occurs in children and adolescents and has a subacute course with fever, toxemia, loss of weight, adenopathy, hepatoesplenomegaly, anaemia and eosinophilia. Radiologic abnormalities in the lun...
Source: Paediatric Respiratory Reviews - October 30, 2009 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Marcelo Simão Ferreira Tags: Mini-symposium: Fungi and The Paediatric Lung Source Type: journals

Researchers Identify Genetic Links To Fungal Infection SusceptibilityEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
New research has identified two genetic mutations that may put individuals at increased risk for fungal infections. The research focused on patients with severe fungal infections (primarily of the genus Candida), but the findings may also have implications for patients who have more common mild infections. The research is published in two studies that appear together in the October 29, 2009 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine. (Source: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News From Medical News Today)
Source: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News From Medical News Today - October 30, 2009 Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses Source Type: news

Prophylaxis with itraconazole is more effective than prophylaxis with fluconazole in neutropenic patients with hematological malignancies: a meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trialsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Antifungal prophylaxis using fluconazole or itraconazole has been studied for many years but still no consensus has been reached regarding their safety and effectiveness. We performed a systematic meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of fluconazole compared to itraconazole in neutropenic patients with hematological malignancies. We gathered the data for our analysis from MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane-controlled trials register, Cochrane Library, and Science Citation Index (1/1990 to 1/2009) searches. Risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the random effect model. Nine R...
Source: Medical Oncology - October 30, 2009 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: Medical Oncology Source Type: journals

Mucocutaneous manifestations in 150 HIV-infected Indian patients and their relationship with CD4 lymphocyte countsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Mucocutaneous findings in 150 HIV+ve cases (F, 79; M, 71) were evaluated over a one-year period. Mucocutaneous manifestations were seen in 96% with 2.9 mean number of dermatoses and mean cluster of differentiation (CD4) count of 196.33 cells/mm3. The highest number of mean dermatoses, 3.29, was seen in individuals with severe immunosuppression. The most common mucocutaneous manifestation seen was candidiasis (35.33%), followed by seborrhoeic dermatitis (31.33%), oral pigmentation (29.33%), xerosis/ichthyosis (22.67%), pyodermas (22%), periodontitis (17.33%) and nail pigmentation (16.67%). Patient stratification according t...
Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS - October 30, 2009 Category: Global & Universal Authors: Sud, N, Shanker, V, Sharma, A, Sharma, N L, Gupta, M Tags: Original research articles Source Type: journals

Study of the essentiality of the Aspergillus fumigatustriA gene, encoding RNA triphosphatase, using the heterokaryon rescue technique and the conditional gene expression driven by the alcA and niiA promoters.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The identification of essential genes represents a critical step in the discovery of novel therapeutic targets in A. fumigatus. Structural analyses of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae RNA triphosphatase pointed out this enzyme as an attractive therapeutic target for fungal infections. In addition, demonstration of the essentiality of the S. cerevisiae RNA triphosphatase encoding gene enhanced the value of this potential therapeutic target. Nevertheless, consideration of a fungal RNA triphophatase as an ideal therapeutic target needs confirmation of the essentiality of the respective gene in a fungal pathogen. In this work,...
Source: Fungal Genetics and Biology - October 30, 2009 Category: Biology Authors: Monteiro MC, Lucas JR Tags: Fungal Genet Biol Source Type: journals

Candidal infections of ventriculoperitoneal shuntsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Baradkar V P, Mathur M, Sonavane A, Kumar SJournal of Pediatric Neurosciences 2009 4(2):73-75Although ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt infection is a common complication of shunt procedures, fungal infection is considered to be rare. In the present study, we performed retrospective analysis of six cases in which candida infection occurred. In all these six cases, VP shunt was performed in children for hydrocephalus and the onset of symptoms varied between seven days to one month after the surgical procedure was performed. The commonest clinical signs and symptoms were fever (100%), vomiting (100%), and altered...
Source: Journal of Pediatric Neurosciences - October 29, 2009 Category: Neuroscience Authors: Baradkar V P, Mathur M, Sonavane A, Kumar S Source Type: journals

Genetic Links To Fungal Infection Risk IdentifiedEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Two genetic mutations that may put individuals at increased risk of fungal infections have been identified by scientists from UCL and Radboud University, increasing understanding about the genetic basis of these infections and potentially aiding the development of new treatments. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - October 29, 2009 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses Source Type: news

Treosulfan-based conditioning regimen in a second matched unrelated peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for a pediatric patient with CGD and invasive aspergillosis, who experienced initial graft failure after RIC.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We report the case of a 3-year-old boy with CGD, who developed IA despite antifungal prophylaxis. His treatment consisted of a 10-month-long multi-drug antifungal therapy, together with surgery, but these did not cause any substantial clinical improvement. BMT in high-risk patients with CGD remains a challenge due to both, higher risk of graft rejection and inflammatory flare in the course of immune recovery. Our patient rejected the first matched unrelated donor (MUD) allograft after RIC regimen recommended by the EBMT Inborn Errors Working Party for high-risk patients. After treosulfan-based conditioning and second MUD p...
Source: International Journal of Hematology - October 29, 2009 Category: Hematology Authors: Klaudel-Dreszler MA, Kalwak K, Kurenko-Deptuch M, Wolska-Kusnierz B, Heropolitanska-Pliszka E, Pietrucha B, Mikoluc B, Gorczyńska E, Ussowicz M, Chybicka A, Bernatowska E Tags: Int J Hematol Source Type: journals

Regulating the T-Cell Immune Response Toward the H99 Strain of Cryptococcus neoformans.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
C. neoformans infection induces a Th1 immune reaction resulting in an cellular inflammatory reaction toward the organism; however infection with virulent C. neoformans strains such as H99 results in a paucicellular Th2 response in mice. H99 infected mice develop fatal meningoencephalitis weeks following pulmonary infection. Switch from a Th2 to a Th1 immune response, results in a protective effect in the lung of H99 infected mice but does not prevent organism dissemination and subsequent development of meningoencephalitis. Further studies are required to explain what immune mediators are needed to prevent dissemination...
Source: The American Journal of Pathology - October 29, 2009 Category: Pathology Authors: Montone KT Tags: Am J Pathol Source Type: journals

Genetic links to fungal infection risk identifiedEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
(University College London) Two genetic mutations that may put individuals at increased risk of fungal infections have been identified by scientists from UCL and Radboud University, increasing understanding about the genetic basis of these infections and potentially aiding the development of new treatments. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - October 28, 2009 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news

Genetic Mutation Linked to Severe CandidasisEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Impaired dectin-1 signaling may be responsible for severe mucocutaneous fungal infections, according to two reports published in the Oct. 29 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. (Source: Modern Medicine)
Source: Modern Medicine - October 28, 2009 Category: Journals (General) Source Type: info

A Homozygous CARD9 Mutation in a Family with Susceptibility to Fungal InfectionsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Homozygous mutations in the CARD9 gene, with a premature termination codon, are associated with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis in an Iranian family. Dysfunction of CARD9 impairs the innate signaling of dectin-1, an antifungal pattern-recognition receptor. (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)
Source: New England Journal of Medicine - October 28, 2009 Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Glocker, E.-O., Hennigs, A., Nabavi, M., Schaffer, A. A., Woellner, C., Salzer, U., Pfeifer, D., Veelken, H., Warnatz, K., Tahami, F., Jamal, S., Manguiat, A., Rezaei, N., Amirzargar, A. A., Plebani, A., Hannesschlager, N., Gross, O., Ruland, J., Grimbach Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLES Source Type: journals

Brief Report: Human Dectin-1 Deficiency and Mucocutaneous Fungal InfectionsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
A family with recurrent mucocutaneous candidiasis was evaluated for a potential genetic cause. An early-stop-codon mutation in the {beta}-glucan receptor dectin-1 was found in the affected family members. These data suggest an important role of dectin-1 in mucosal antifungal defense. (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)
Source: New England Journal of Medicine - October 28, 2009 Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Ferwerda, B., Ferwerda, G., Plantinga, T. S., Willment, J. A., van Spriel, A. B., Venselaar, H., Elbers, C. C., Johnson, M. D., Cambi, A., Huysamen, C., Jacobs, L., Jansen, T., Verheijen, K., Masthoff, L., Morre, S. A., Vriend, G., Williams, D. L., Perfec Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLES Source Type: journals

Tetrapisispora phaffii killer toxin is a highly specific beta-glucanase that disrupts the integrity of the yeast cell wallEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusions: Collectively, these data indicate that the mode of action of Kpkt is directed towards the disruption of cell-wall integrity, and that this is mediated by a highly specific beta-glucanase activity. In this, Kpkt differs from other microbial beta-glucanases that do not show killer activities. (Source: BioMed Central)
Source: BioMed Central - October 27, 2009 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Francesca ComitiniIlaria MannazzuMaurizio Ciani Source Type: journals

Primary Antifungal Prophylaxis in Adult Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients: Current Therapeutic ConceptsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Pharmacotherapy 29(11): 1306-1325 Abstract In recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCTs), the mortality associated with invasive fungal infections (IFIs) remains high, despite the introduction of broad-spectrum antifungal agents over the past 2 decades. Preventing exposure to fungal pathogens in this population is impossible; therefore, clinicians have focused on prophylactic use of antifungal agents to prevent IFIs in high-risk HSCT recipients. It is important to target antifungal prophylaxis by type of HSCT (autologous or allogeneic), local epidemiology, and risk factors for IFIs so that patients can recei...
Source: Pharmacotherapy: Official Journal of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy - October 26, 2009 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Dorothy McCoyDaryl D DePestelPeggy L Carver Source Type: journals

Time trends in fungal infections as a cause of death in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: an autopsy study.Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Infectious complications remain an important cause of death in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. We undertook a 20-year (1988-2007) retrospective review of all autopsies performed on HSCT recipients in our institution, with emphasis on infections, especially fungal infections, as the cause of death. Of the 2,943 autopsies performed in our institution from 1988 to 2007, 395 (13.4%) involved HSCT recipients (117 pediatric; 278 adult). Of the patients, 298 had received allogeneic, 46 autologous, 41 umbilical cord blood, and 3 autologous plus allogeneic types, and 7 were unknown HSCT types. The most com...
Source: American Journal of Clinical Pathology - October 24, 2009 Category: Pathology Authors: Alsharif M, Cameron SE, Young JA, Savik K, Henriksen JC, Gulbahce HE, Pambuccian SE Tags: Am J Clin Pathol Source Type: journals

[News of the Week] Amphibian Decline: Life and Death Play Out on the Skins of FrogsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
On page 582 of this week's issue of Science, researchers go a long way toward solving the mystery of how a fungal infection has been killing amphibians worldwide. They find that the fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, causes such severe electrolyte imbalances that the frog's heart stops.Author: Elizabeth Pennisi (Source: Science: Current Issue)
Source: Science: Current Issue - October 23, 2009 Category: Science Authors: Elizabeth Pennisi Source Type: journals

Less Fungus among Us Warm-BloodedEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
[ The following is an exact transcript of this podcast. ]Some people eat to avoid being bored. Others to avoid doing something they’d rather not, like preparing a podcast. Now a report says we might eat to avoid fungi. Because warm-bloodedness, a condition that requires a lot of calories, may have evolved to keep fungal infections at bay. [More] (Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed)
Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed - October 23, 2009 Category: Science Tags: Biology,Health & Medicine,Evolution,Evolution,Evolutionary Biology,Infectious Diseases Source Type: journals

Mold remediation in a hospitalEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
As occupants in a hospital, patients are susceptible to air contaminants that can include biological agents dispersed throughout the premise. An exposed patient can become ill and require medical intervention. A consideration for patients is that they may have become environmentally sensitive and require placement in an environment that does not compromise their health. Unfortunately, the hospital environment often contains more biological substances than can be expected in an office or home environment. When a hospital also experiences water intrusion such as flooding or water leaks, resulting mold growth can seriously co...
Source: Toxicology and Industrial Health current issue - October 23, 2009 Category: Toxicology Authors: Lee, T. G Tags: Articles Source Type: journals