A new case-based review published in Clinical Rheumatology highlights the precarious situation faced by patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) when complicated by invasive fungal infections (IFIs). The review, authored by Dr. Sahana Baliga and colleagues from the PD Hinduja National Hospital and Medical Research Centre, underscores the high mortality and diagnostic difficulties associated […]
Azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus found on hospital equipment
Conditions caused by Aspergillus fumigatus are becoming more prevalent across the globe. This is of particular concern to the immunocompromised, and those in intensive care unit (ICU) who are admitted for prolonged periods and treated with immunosuppressive agents. Invasive aspergillosis caused by A. fumigatus is becoming more difficult to treat, as it becomes resistant to […]
Persistent lung defects after recovery from PCP in AIDS
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is one of the most frequent infections seen in people with HIV. Before antiretroviral therapy (ART) became commonplace, mortality from PCP was exceptionally high if it led to respiratory failure, with an in-hospital mortality of 80%. With the advent of ART, in-hospital mortality rates have improved to around 10%. This new […]
Single large dose of liposomal amphotericin B effective for histoplasmosis in AIDS
Researchers in Brazil, led by Alessandro Pasqualotto, have shown that a 10mg/Kg single dose of liposomal amphotericin B, followed by itraconazole is at least as effective as daily liposomal amphotericin B. Clinical centres in Brazil screend 882 adult patients with HIV infection for disseminated histoplasmosis. From this sample population they randomised 118 people to be […]
FDA approves new treatment for invasive candidiasis
Cidara Therapeutics and Melinta Therapeutics have announced that the U.S. FDA have approved Rezzayo™ (rezafungin for injection). This new medication is for the treatment and prevention of candidemia and invasive candidiasis in adults who have limited or no alternative treatment options. Rezzayo is a once-weekly injection that in clinical trials, proved to be non-inferior to […]
LIFE Worldwide launches revamped fungal microscopy course
LIFE Worldwide, in collaboration with the Fungal Infection Trust and the University of Manchester, is pleased to announce the re-launch of its popular fungal microscopy course – www.microfungi.net This new site has updated content, improved navigation, and more visual resources added to modules 1 and 2, with further work planned to overhaul modules 3 and […]
Bangladeshi study highlights frequency of invasive fungal infections in paediatric patients at diarrheal hospital
Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are one of the foremost causes of morbidity and mortality among critically ill and immunosuppressed paediatric patients. Within intensive care units, children with these infections are more likely to die. Shaly and colleagues look at the prevalence of IFIs in children under the age of five at a Bangladeshi urban diarrheal […]
Impact of hurricane activity on invasive mould infections (IMI)
In August 2017, hurricane Harvey devastated the Houston metropolitan area and adjacent counties. Much of the post-hurricane clean-up was carried out by members of the public, with little or no personal protective equipment. As the damage was mostly caused by flooding, the public were exposed to greater levels of mould, due to these damp conditions, […]
How to minimise risk of mucormycosis in hospital linens
Healthcare linens (HCLs) have often been thought to contain Mucorales spores, which present a health hazard for those with compromised immune systems. Mucorales are widely distributed in the environment, including in soil, vegetation and compost, and spores are easily aerosolised and dispersed, so healthcare providers need to remain vigilant to ensure that these pathogens are […]
Single, large dose of liposomal amphotericin B for cryptococcal meningitis shown to be effective
The world’s largest randomised study of HIV-positive adults with cryptococcal meningitis has shown that a single high-dose infusion of liposomal amphotericin B, plus oral therapy with flucytosine and fluconazole was non-inferior to standard treatment. This short course approach was also associated with fewer adverse events. This research was carried out in 844 patients across five […]