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Systemic fungal pathogens typically gain entry through a single portal and disseminate to affect multiple body systems. Infections caused by fungal Penicillium species are rare in dogs, and these cases have a poor prognosis. An unknown Penicillium species was isolated from the right eye of a middle-aged Border Collie without evidence of systemic disease. Due to financial limitations, an extensive diagnostic evaluation could not be performed. Histopathology alone failed to identify the specific causative agent; however, fungal culture on aqueous humor provided the definitive diagnosis. This case highlights the advantage of collecting ocular fluids after enucleation to diagnose atypical fungal infections., (© 2024 Australian Veterinary Association.)

Pathogenic fungi must appropriately sense the host availability of essential metals such as Fe. In Candida albicans and other yeasts, sensing of Fe involves mitochondrial Fe-S clusters. Yeast mutants for Fe-S cluster assembly sense Fe limitation even when Fe is abundant and hyperaccumulate Fe. We observe this same disrupted Fe sensing with C. albicans mutants of SMF11, a NRAMP transporter of divalent metals. Mutants of smf11 hyperaccumulate both Mn and Fe and the elevated Mn is secondary to Fe overload. As with Fe-S biogenesis mutants, smf11∆/∆ mutants show upregulation of ferric reductases that are normally repressed under high Fe, and Fe import is activated. However, unlike Fe-S biogenesis mutants, smf11∆/∆ mutants show no defects in mitochondrial Fe-S enzymes. Intriguingly, this exact condition of disrupted Fe sensing without inhibiting Fe-S clusters occurs with C. albicans fre1∆/∆ mutants encoding a ferric reductase. Mutants of fre1 and smf11 display similar perturbations in the cell wall, in filamentation and in the ROS burst of morphogenesis, a Fe-dependent process. As with FRE1, SMF11 is important for virulence in a mouse model for disseminated candidiasis. We propose a model in which FRE1 and SMF11 operate outside the mitochondrial Fe-S pathway to donate ferrous Fe for Fe sensing., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Purpose: This study aimed to describe the functional and anatomical outcomes of post-cataract surgery fungal endophthalmitis at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital (KKESH)., Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis of clinical data from a single institution was performed. This study included 29 patients with post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis with suspected or confirmed fungal etiology who presented between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2022. We evaluated demographics, clinical features, microbiological assessments, and treatment strategies. The effects of various treatments on outcomes were analyzed. The need for additional treatment and functional and anatomical outcomes was also investigated., Results: The mean time from surgery to the onset of ocular symptoms was 52.1 (SD ± 59.9; range, 3-210) days, and the mean time from surgery to the first visit to KKESH was 81.4 (SD ± 103.5; range, 2-510) days. Low culture positivity was noted in four samples, with two revealing Aspergillus sp. and two revealing Cladosporium sp. Of the 29 patients, 6 underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and received intravitreal antimicrobial/antibiotic injections. Two of the six patients also underwent simultaneous intraocular lens removal. The average number of additional treatments, regardless of visual acuity, was lower in the PPV group than in the conservative group (0.5 [SD ± 1.1; range, 0-3] and 1.48 [SD ± 1.47; range, 0-6], respectively). In the PPV group, 50% (n=3) of the eyes achieved functional success and 83.3% (n=5) of the eyes achieved anatomical success. In contrast, in the conservative group, 43.5% (n=10) of the eyes achieved functional success and 69.6% (n=16) of the eyes achieved anatomical success., Conclusion: For post-cataract surgery fungal endophthalmitis, a high index of suspicion and prompt PPV with empirical administration of intravitreal antifungal agents are required to achieve a favorable prognosis., Competing Interests: The authors have no proprietary, commercial, or non- commercial interest in any materials mentioned in this article., (© 2024 Aloqab et al.)

We report a suspected case of acute pulmonary coccidioidomycosis contracted in Peru, where the disease is not known to occur, in a patient from Switzerland. Although not confirmed by direct diagnostic testing, the clinical manifestations and serologic testing results of this case are highly suggestive of coccidioidomycosis.

Background: Invasive fungal intestinal infections are rare in pediatric patients with limited studies reported to date., Methods: Retrospective study of invasive intestinal fungal infections in pediatric patients. For fungal specification, 18S rRNA gene PCR was performed using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues., Results: A total of 19 cases from 18 patients were included (13 males, 72%) with a median age of 20 days (8 days-14 years). About 13 patients (72%) presented within 67 days of birth and 11 patients (61%) were premature and 14 patients (78%) had a significant medical history. The most common location was the jejunum/ileum (56%) followed by the right colon and terminal ileum (22%). In 10 patients, the fungal elements were seen in the mucosa with 3 extending into the submucosa, and only 3 patients showed full-thickness involvement. Tissue necrosis and angioinvasion were seen in 13 (72%) and 8 (44%) patients, respectively. Morphologically, organisms consistent with Candida spp. were seen in 17 patients and with a mucoraceous mold in 1 patient. A 18S rRNA gene sequencing performed in 18 cases identified Candida dubliniensis in 16 cases and Candida spp. in 2 cases. During the study follow-up period, 56% of the patients died., Conclusion: In our experience, most cases were due to Candida spp. and predominantly in premature infants and associated with poor outcomes., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

This study developed mycelial biochar composites, BQH-AN and BQH-MV, with stable physicochemical properties and significantly improved adsorption capabilities through microbial modification. The results showed that the specific surface area and porosity of BQH-AN (3547.47 m 2 g -1 and 2.37 cm 3 g -1 ) and BQH-MV (3205.59 m 2 g -1 and 2.46 cm 3 g -1 ) were significantly higher than those of biochar BQH (2641.31 m 2 g -1 and 1.81 cm 3 g -1 ), which was produced without microbial treatment. In adsorption experiments using rhodamine B (RhB), tetracycline hydrochloride (TC), and Cr (VI), BQH-AN showed maximum adsorption capacities of 1450.79 mg g -1 for RhB, 1608.43 mg g -1 for TC, and 744.15 mg g -1 for Cr(VI). BQH-MV showed similarly strong performance, with 1329.85 mg g -1 for RhB, 1526.46 mg g -1 for TC, and 752.27 mg g -1 for Cr(VI). These values were not only higher than those of BQH but also outperformed most other biochar adsorbents. Additionally, after five reuse cycles, the pollutant removal efficiency of the mycelial biochar composites remained above 69%, demonstrating excellent regenerative ability. This study not only produced biochar with superior adsorption properties but also highlighted microbial modification as an effective way to enhance lignocellulosic biochar performance, paving the way for further biomass development.

A 3-year-old female spayed domestic shorthair cat with a history of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, treated with cyclosporine and prednisolone, was presented for acute lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea. Abdominal ultrasound revealed multiple predominantly avascular hypo-anechoic nodules in the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and peritoneum. Fine needle aspirates and culture of the liver and kidney revealed abscessation caused by Cladophialophora. This case adds to the currently limited literature documenting ultrasonographic features of systemic infection caused by pigmented fungi in cats., (© 2024 American College of Veterinary Radiology.)

Dendritic cells are crucial for bridging innate and adaptive immunity. Cryptococcosis, caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii , is responsible for >15% of AIDS-related deaths. A recent study by Xu et al. showed that Batf3 -dependent conventional type 1 dendritic (cDC1) cells are key players in generating IFNγ + CD4 + T cell and fungicidal lung and brain tissue-resident responses during murine cryptococcosis, contributing to fungal clearance in the lungs and brain of mice (J. Xu, R. Hissong, R. Bareis, A. Creech, et al., mBio 15:e02853-23, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.02853-23). However, despite their critical role, the depletion of Batf3 -dependent cDC1 cells did not significantly alter overall mouse survival or disease progression, highlighting the complex immune regulation required to survive cryptococcal infection and the need for further research in medical mycology., Competing Interests: The author declares no conflict of interest.

Quinoa is an Andean pseudo-cereal crop that is mainly cultivated for its energy and protein-rich, gluten-free seeds. Quinoa is currently being popularized in Burkina Faso, but manifestations of fungal diseases have been observed on the plants. The aim of this study was to establish a causal relationship between the observed symptoms and the associated fungal pathogens. Samples of symptomatic organs were collected from the three agro-ecological zones and examined for fungal pathogen species via isolation on media. A total of six (6) diseases and twenty-nine (29) fungal species were described and identified in the collected organs. The diseases were present in the following proportions: (i) panicle browning followed by complete plant drying (45.36%), (ii) brown crown rot (41.20%), (iii) brown stalk rot (27.31%), (iv) damping-off (22.68%), (v) chlorosis with necrotic brown leaf spots (19.33%), and (vi) plant wilting (13.88%). The essential epidemiological factors of these pathologies are discussed., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background and Objectives: The biofilm formation has been widely recognized as one of the main mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance development in microorganisms. However, few studies are focusing on this phenomenon in Candida spp. in clinical settings, especially on immuno-compromised patients., Materials and Methods: In this study, both the rate of biofilm formation in those patients and its drug susceptibility in initial and mature biofilm were assessed using crystal violet assay and dilution method., Results: The results demonstrated that the biofilm formation rate was similar between albicans and non-albicans Candida . However, the biofilm formation capacity was more pronounced in non-albicans Candida , especially, C. glabrata . As expected, there was a significant relationship between biofilm formation and drug resistance. In addition, our study reconfirmed that the age of high concentration of antifungal agents only affected Candida before its biofilm formation regardless of its biofilm formation capacity. In the contrary, once the biofilm was formed even elevated drug concentrations did not show sufficient efficacy, highlighting a need for high dosage at the early stage of treatment for those patients., Conclusion: The results of this study highlighted the importance of using appropriate antifungal agents for Candida treatment before the formation of biofilm., (Copyright© 2024 The Authors. Published by Tehran University of Medical Sciences.)

Globally, overall survival (OS) of older patients with AML continues to be suboptimal with very little data from India. In a multicenter registry analysis, we evaluated 712 patients with AML older than 55 years. Only 323 (45.3%) underwent further treatment, of which 239 (74%) received HMAs, and 60 (18%) received intensive chemotherapy (IC). CR was documented in 39% of those receiving IC and 42% after HMAs. Overall, 100 (31%) patients died within 60 days of diagnosis, most commonly due to progressive disease (47%) or infections (30%). After a median follow-up of 176 days, 228 (76%) of patients had discontinued treatment. At one year from diagnosis, 211 (65%) patients had died, and the median OS was 186 days (IQR, 137-234). Only 12 (3.7%) patients underwent stem cell transplantation. Survival was significantly lower for those older than 60 years (p < 0.001). Patients who died had a higher median age (p = .027) and baseline WBC counts (p = .006). Our data highlights suboptimal outcomes in older AML patients, which are evident from 55 years of age onwards, making it necessary to evaluate HMA and targeted agent combinations along with novel consolidation strategies to improve survival in this high-risk population., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Fungal infections pose a significant challenge in numerous developing nations and worldwide, necessitating urgent solutions. Oral administration of antifungal medications often leads to severe adverse reactions. Hence, employing topical delivery systems is preferred to ensure efficient dermal delivery of antifungal agents while minimizing side effects. Furthermore, the incorporation of penetration enhancers into nanocarriers loaded with antifungal agents has demonstrated enhanced efficacy in combating mycotic infections. Consequently, ultra-deformable penetration enhancer-containing vesicles (PEVs) were developed to explore this promising approach. In this study, Labrasol ® and Transcutol ® were used as penetration enhancers in formulating ultra-deformable PEVs containing the antifungal agent Fluconazole (FCZ). The PEVs underwent comprehensive characterization, including measurements of particle size (PS), charge, and entrapment efficiency (EE%). The results revealed that the size of tested PEVs ranged from 100 to 762 nm. All particles exhibited a negative charge, with a minimum zeta potential (ZP) of -38.26 mV, and an intermediate entrapment efficiency (EE%) that reached approximately 40%w/w. Ex-vivo studies demonstrated the ability of PEVs to deliver FCZ to the dermis while minimizing transdermal delivery. The selected formula was tested in-vivo using candidiasis -induced rat model and showed a superiority in its antifungal effect against Candida Albicans compared to the drug control. Stability studies were executed for the selected formula, and revealed good stability shown by the insignificant change in the PS, ZP& EE% over a six-month period.

Fungal endophthalmitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the eye's posterior segment that can lead to irreversible vision loss. While relatively rare in western countries, its incidence is notably higher in Asia, particularly India. The condition's prevalence is exacerbated by factors such as intravenous drug use, antibiotics, and ocular surgeries. Fungal endophthalmitis can be categorized as endogenous, arising from systemic infection, or exogenous, linked to external sources such as trauma or surgery. The fungal agents responsible vary by region, with Candida species common in the West and Aspergillus and Fusarium species more prevalent in India. Management typically involves vitrectomy and intravitreal antifungal drugs such as amphotericin B and voriconazole, though treatment is often complicated by multidrug resistance and culture-negative cases. Recent proteomic and transcriptomic analyses have highlighted the early and sustained activation of the host immune response during infection involving key inflammatory and oxidative stress-related proteins. Given the potential for excessive inflammation to cause retinal damage, targeted immunotherapies are crucial. Immunomodulation, which aims to balance the immune response, shows promise in preserving vision while effectively combating the infection. Key targets for immunomodulation include pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17), chemokines (CCL2, CXCL8), Toll-like receptors (TLR2, TLR4), and the complement system. Additionally, modulating the activity of macrophages, neutrophils, regulatory T cells, and Th17 cells, as well as targeting inflammasomes, can help control inflammation. Biologic agents and small molecule inhibitors offer further avenues for precise immune response modulation. This review underscores the importance of a comprehensive understanding of host-pathogen interactions in the development of effective therapies for fungal endophthalmitis.

A 6-year-old male neutered boxer mix canine was presented for a one-month history of dyschezia, hematochezia, and constipation. Colonoscopy and endoscopic biopsies revealed non-specific lymphoplasmacytic, eosinophilic colitis. Despite pursuing various therapies over a 3.5-month clinical course (including hypoallergenic diet, antibiotics, prokinetics, laxatives, and anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids), the patient's condition did not improve. Two and a half months after initial presentation, the patient developed circumferential proctitis with multiple draining tracts and obstipation. Humane euthanasia and postmortem examination were elected. Gross and histological findings revealed locally extensive pyogranulomatous coloproctitis with many intralesional PAS-positive, GMS-negative 30-40 μm in diameter, hyaline, pauciseptate, irregularly branching fungal hyphae, hyphal bodies or chlamydospores and 25-45 μm in diameter thick-walled zygospores. Fungal culture of fluid from the draining tracts was performed, and DNA sequence analysis of the ITS and partial LSU of the nuclear ribosomal RNA genes were used to identify and confirm a novel species, Basidiobolus arizonensis . Basidiobolus spp. are saprobes in the order Basidiobolales and most commonly cause granulomatous infections of the skin, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract in veterinary species and humans. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of novel Basidiobolus arizonensis causing localized coloproctitis in a dog., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Black, Wiertek, Ferguson, Wycislo, Rayhel, Reid, Wiederhold and Cañete-Gibas.)

Supplementing swine diets with phytase increases phosphorus release by approximately 50% from cereal phytates. The increase in phosphorus availability allows for a reduction in dietary phosphorus supplementation from mineral sources and decreases the environmental impact of pork production through a decrease in phosphorus excretion. Superdosing phytase has been reported to boost swine productivity, improve the digestibility of other nutrients, and mitigate the antinutritional effects of phytates. However, there are significant cost differences among phytase products. Bacterial phytases are considered more modern, often with a higher cost of inclusion. A study was conducted with 288 piglets that were 21 d of age and weighed 6.43 ± 0.956 kg. Pigs were divided into four groups. Each group of pigs was fed a different experimental diet varying in phytase source and level: fungal phytase ( Aspergillus niger ) at 500 FTU/kg of diet, fungal phytase at 2,000 FTU/kg, bacterial phytase ( Escherichia coli ) at 500 FTU/kg, and bacterial phytase at 2,000 FTU/kg. No differences were found for phytase sources or doses on productivity at 14 and 21 d postweaning. However, piglets supplemented with 2,000 FTUs/kg of phytase in the diet during the first 21 d of nursery exhibited a 5.8% better feed conversion ( P  = 0.02). An interaction between phytase source and dose was observed for average live weight and daily weight gain over the 42-d nursery period ( P  < 0.05). Supplementing the diet with 2,000 FTU/kg of fungal phytase improved daily weight gain and live weight throughout the experimental period compared to piglets supplemented with 500 FTU/kg of the same phytase source. Additionally, it resulted in better final weights compared to piglets supplemented with 500 FTU/kg of bacterial phytase. Phytase inclusion at 2,000 FTU/kg improved feed conversion by 2.07% over the 42-d nursery period. The most economically favorable feed conversion ratios were observed when supplementing the diet with fungal phytase at 2,000 FTUs/kg., Competing Interests: None declared., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science.)

Infectious complications are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Preventing infections could significantly improve both survival and quality of life. Unfortunately, both infections and antimicrobial prophylaxis in patients with MDS are incompletely assessed due to the heterogeneity of disorders included in each publication, changing definitions over time, and lack of standardized prophylaxis practices. Despite these limitations, some basic statements can be made. Infections in MDS are associated with neutropenia. Patients with lower-risk (LR) MDS tend to have fewer infections compared to patients with higher-risk (HR) MDS, which may be related to the different prevalence of neutropenia in the 2 groups. Pneumonia is the most common infection, and bacteria are the most common pathogens. Invasive fungal infections (IFI) are uncommon. Reactivation of latent viruses are rare. With the limited data available, we agree that antibacterial prophylaxis can be considered in patients with HR-MDS during severe neutropenia and early cycles of therapy when infections are most likely to occur. Given the low prevalence of IFI and viral reactivation, antimicrobial prophylaxis for these pathogens is less likely to be advantageous for most patients, although antifungal prophylaxis with activity against mold is commonly used in patients with persistent, profound neutropenia. Ultimately, improved data collection regarding infections and antimicrobial prophylaxis is needed to improve care for patients with MDS., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Introduction: Acute myeloid leukemia patients are at high risk for infections, which contribute to increased mortality rates of up to 70%. The use of antimicrobial prophylaxis has been shown to significantly lower rates of infection. Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to evaluate the effect of two agents that showed effective results in the literature, levofloxacin and fluconazole, as prophylaxis strategies in AML patients., Methodology: A total of 85 AML patients' medical records treated with a 7+3 induction chemotherapy protocol in the Cancer Hospital of Uberlândia from 2017 to 2021 were screened and their data was collected. Within these patients, groups for analysis were created based on whether the acting physician included an antibacterial or antifungal prophylaxis protocol during induction. Contingency tables with χ² and odds ratio tests were realized to verify associations between prophylaxis and infection. Additionally, Kaplan-Meier curves with Cox regression were developed to analyze survival., Results: The use of prophylaxis with either fluconazole or levofloxacin did not lower rates of infection, as those who with prophylaxis did not demonstrate significant differences when compared to those without (20.3-29.7%, and 12.3-23.3%, respectively). Patients who suffered a bacterial infection during induction were shown to have lower overall survival, with a similar trend seen in fungal infections., Conclusion: Bacterial and fungal infections were associated with higher rates of induction mortality and lower overall survival, and prophylaxis using fluconazole and levofloxacin did not present any significant difference in preventing these infections in this study, contrasting results found in the literature. The individuality of each treatment center should be taken into consideration and future studies should be realized to better determine the most effective methods and agents for prophylaxis., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

A 6-month-old male intact miniature Australian Shepherd presented for surgical consultation for a previously diagnosed patent ductus arteriosus. Echocardiogram revealed a patent ductus arteriosus and a hyperechoic oscillating lesion within the main pulmonary artery. Blood cultures and eventual post-mortem examination revealed Candida tropicalis endocarditis. This case report highlights a rare case of fungal endocarditis with both echocardiographic and post-mortem findings., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest Statement The authors do not have any conflict of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Key Clinical Message: In examining any scalp itch or skin lesions, especially in children with long hair, fungal lesions under the hair may not be diagnosed in a timely manner. Additionally, fungal infection of the scalp, known as tinea capitis, is considered a chronic condition and if left untreated, it can lead to alopecia (hair loss) and permanent scarring., Abstract: Tinea capitis (TC) is a common cutaneous fungal infection in childhood. In this report, we describe the case of an 8-year-old child presenting with erythematous scalp lesions accompanied by hair loss. Upon examination, palpation revealed a swollen and tender left parotid gland. Notably, the frontal region of the scalp exhibited erythematous lesions and scaly red plaques resembling yellowish paste-like dough. Subsequent clinical evaluation and culture analysis confirmed the diagnosis of TC. The patient received treatment with Terbinafine 125 mg for a duration of 8 weeks. Follow-up examinations conducted after 3 months showed no signs of recurrence. Accurate diagnosis and timely treatment, along with adherence to medication regimens, are crucial in cases of TC, and differential diagnoses should be considered. Treatment should commence promptly upon diagnosis to prevent complications such as scalp baldness and transmission to others. This case report underscores the significance of establishing a precise diagnosis and effective treatment for this dermatophytosis to mitigate the risk of recurrences or therapeutic shortcomings, particularly in infants., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflict of interest., (© 2024 The Author(s). Clinical Case Reports published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Candida osteomyelitis, in general, is a relatively rare manifestation compared to its bacterial counterparts. The mandible's involvement is rarer, lacking established management and fewer guidelines. Herein, we aim to illustrate the significant challenge in treatment, namely due to the persistent and resistant nature of Candida albicans -associated biofilm. A multidisciplinary approach involving adjunctive use of antifungals with surgical interventions is typically necessary and feasible in this case. However, surgical interventions may not always be possible in challenging instances in which the patient may be structurally (including osteoradionecrosis) and vascularly compromised, raising questions about the feasibility of standard-of-care as well as the success of alternative therapies aimed at disrupting biofilm formation. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for complicating, deep-seated Candidiasis in at-risk populations and endeavor to treat as aggressively as possible to limit recurrent disease owing to persistence., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Chitosan (CS), a biopolymer, holds significant potential in bone regeneration due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability attributes. While crustacean-derived CS is conventionally used in research, there is growing interest in fungal-derived CS for its equally potent properties in bone regenerative applications. Here, we investigated the physicochemical and biological characteristics of fungal (MDC) and crustacean (ADC)-derived CS scaffolds embedded with different concentrations of tricalcium phosphate minerals (TCP), i.e., 0(wt)%: ADC/MDC-1, 10(wt)%: ADC/MDC-2, 20(wt)%: ADC/MDC-3 and 30(wt)%: ADC/MDC-4. ADC-1 and MDC-1 lyophilised scaffolds lacking TCP minerals presented the highest zeta potentials of 47.3 ± 1.2 mV and 55.1 ± 1.6 mV, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy revealed prominent distinctions whereby MDC scaffolds exhibited striation-like structural microarchitecture in contrast to the porous morphology exhibited by ADC scaffold types. With regard to the 4-week scaffold mass reductions, MDC-1, MDC-2, MDC-3, and MDC-4 indicated declines of 55.98 ± 4.2%, 40.16 ± 3.6%, 27.05 ± 4.7%, and 19.16 ± 5.3%, respectively. Conversely, ADC-1, ADC-2, ADC-3, and ADC-4 presented mass reductions of 35.78 ± 5.1%, 25.19 ± 4.2%, 20.23 ± 6.3%, and 13.68 ± 5.4%, respectively. The biological performance of the scaffolds was assessed through in vitro bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cell (BMMSCs) attachment via indirect and direct cytotoxicity studies, where all scaffold types presented no cytotoxic behaviours. MDC scaffolds indicated results comparable to ADC, where both CS types exhibited similar physiochemical properties. Our data suggest that MDC scaffolds could be a potent alternative to ADC-derived scaffolds for bone regeneration applications, particularly for 10(wt)% TCP concentrations.

Aims: This study is designed to generalize and depict the research hotspots of endophthalmitis through bibliometric methods and software and analyze the evolutive tendency of the work on this severe disease over the past 30 years., Methods: This study employed a rigorous bibliometric approach. We identified all endophthalmitis-related literature by conducting a comprehensive search of the Science Citation Index Expanded database under the Web of Science Core Collection. The data was then analyzed and visualized using CiteSpace and VOSviewer, two widely recognized software tools in the field of bibliometrics. CiteSpace was used to analyze the country distributions, dual map overlay of journals, keyword bursts, and co-cited references. VOSviewer was employed to describe the authors and co-cited authors, the journals, the co-cited journals, and the keywords co-occurrence network. This robust methodology ensures the reliability and validity of the study's findings., Results: A total of 2960 publications, including 2695 articles and 265 reviews, were included in this bibliometric study. There has been no shortage of endophthalmitis-related publications since 1993, with an apparent upward trend during recent years. Possible correlations with the COVID-19 pandemic are also analyzed. These studies were finished by 11,048 authors from 75 countries worldwide, with the United States in the lead. In the keyword co-occurrence network, except for the endophthalmitis term, cataract surgery becomes the keyword with the highest frequency. Different categories of endophthalmitis, including postoperative, post-injection, post-traumatic, and endogenous endophthalmitis, and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory therapies of infectious endophthalmitis, are discussed by categories. From the perspective of the timeline, postoperative and post-injection endophthalmitis were the dominant forms before and after the year 2000, respectively. Co-citation analyses reveal that the Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study (EVS) conducted in 1995 provides pivotal guidance for later research. Diverse pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Coagulase-negative Staphylococci , Propionibacterium acnes , Viridians Streptococci , and Bacillus cereus ) or fungi (e.g., Candida , Aspergillus , and Fusarium ) contribute to varying treatment principles and clinical prognosis, which should be taken seriously. In addition, intravitreal and intracameral antibiotics are the mainstay for treating and preventing infectious endophthalmitis, respectively., Conclusion: Our bibliometric analysis provides an overview of dynamic evolution and structural relationships in the research field of endophthalmitis. The displayed hotspots and developmental directions have reference values for future investigation., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The author(s) declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision., (Copyright © 2024 Fu, Du, Huang, Ren and Chen.)

Non-septic olecranon bursitis (NSOB) is the inflammation of the olecranon bursa, which is usually self-limiting with aseptic clinical manifestations. NSOB can be idiopathic or secondary to repetitive trauma or rheumatological conditions. Septic olecranon bursitis (SOB) is usually caused by bacterial skin colonisers, such as staphylococci and streptococci, and patients tend to present with systemic symptoms requiring medical and/or surgical interventions. Herein we present a case of disseminated cryptococcal infection stemming from bilateral septic olecranon bursitis in a previously healthy immunocompetent 24-year-old female. Fluid cultures were positive for Cryptococcus neoformans . Patient underwent bilateral olecranon bursectomy, washouts and debridement. Moreover, the patient was started on long-term intravenous amphotericin B and later switched to oral flucytosine and fluconazole with good effect. Patient had good clinical outcomes at one-year follow-up.  SOB secondary to unusual pathogens, such as Cryptococcus neoformans , is a rare occurrence, and tends to affect immunocompromised individuals. The clinical course of such infections has shown to be subtle and insidious, which in turn hinders the diagnosis and leads to inappropriate treatment administration. Early follow-up and consideration of these organisms, together with appropriate discussion with microbiologists and/or infectious disease teams is crucial to reduce long-term morbidity and mortality., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Bianco et al.)

Infections are well-known complications in patients following traumatic injuries, frequently leading to high morbidity and mortality. In particular, trauma occurring in disaster settings, both natural and man-made, such as armed conflicts and explosives detonation, results in challenging medical conditions that impede the best management practices. The incidence of invasive fungal infections (IFI) is increasing in trauma patients who lack the typical risk factors like an immune compromised state or others. This narrative review will focus on IFI as a direct complication after natural disasters, wars, and man-made mass destruction with a summary of the available evidence about the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, risk factors, microbiology, and proper management. In this setting, the clinical manifestations of IFI may include skin and soft tissue infections, osteomyelitis, visceral infections, and pneumonia. IFI should be considered in the war inflicted patients who are exposed to unsterile environments or have wounds contaminated with soil and decaying organic matter., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Neurocandidiasis is systemic candidiasis with central nervous system involvement. This case report describes the clinical presentation, diagnostic test results, and histopathology of a dog with neurocandidiasis. A 3-year-old German shepherd dog was presented for a 3-day history of abnormal mentation, neck pain, and ataxia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain revealed multifocal, small, round, intra-axial lesions within the forebrain. Examination of the cerebrospinal fluid revealed severe neutrophilic inflammation. Extensive testing for infectious diseases was negative. The dog was administered immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids. The dog's clinical signs improved transiently but got worse 12 days after starting the treatment. Repeat MRI scan revealed multiple, intra-axial, target-like nodular lesions scattered throughout the brain parenchyma. In the temporal muscles, nodules were seen. Cytology of the fine needle aspirates of the nodules in the temporal muscles revealed a neutrophilic inflammation with hyalohyphomycosis. Postmortem examination was compatible with a severe systemic fungal infection. Candida albicans was isolated from the brain, kidney, and heart., (© 2024 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.)

A 25-year-old Caucasic female was referred to our clinic after suffering from infectious keratitis in the right eye for a month. The patient was a contact lens user and had no history of ocular trauma. Furthermore, the patient did not report any relevant antecedent. The main complaint was intense photophobia and pain. Infectious keratitis remains one of the main complications of contact lens wear and can become a therapeutic challenge in some patients. Although the most frequent causal agent is bacterial, other causes such as herpes virus, Acanthamoeba or fungi should be considered when antimicrobial therapy does not work as expected clinically. Fungal keratitis normally appears on previously damaged corneas, but it can also develop in contact lens wearers. Beauveria bassiana is an unusual pathogen which has been diagnosed more frequently lately per the clinical reports in the last 30 years, so it can be included in the diagnostic scheme when a fungal keratitis is suspected. In clinical management, AS-OCT may be a functional tool to assess the evolution and monitor the response to microbial agents and surgery. Although more studies are needed, some characteristic features have been described and can help to diagnose a fungal keratitis against other infections. AS-OCT can also play an important role in monitoring the corneal scarring after the keratitis episode, and it may be useful to plan post-infection therapy for visual rehabilitation.

Neutrophils are rapidly recruited to sites of infection and are critical for pathogen clearance. Therapeutic use of primary neutrophils has been limited, as they have a short lifespan and are not amenable to genetic manipulation. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can provide a robust source of neutrophils for infusion and are genetically tractable. However, current work has indicated that dampened intracellular signaling limits iPSC-derived neutrophil (iNeutrophil) cellular activation and antimicrobial response. Here, we show that protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibits intracellular signaling and dampens iNeutrophil effector function. Deletion of the PTP1B phosphatase increased PI3K and ERK signaling and was associated with increased F-actin polymerization, cell migration, and phagocytosis. In contrast, other effector functions like NETosis and reactive oxygen species production were reduced. PTP1B-deficient neutrophils were more responsive to Aspergillus fumigatus and displayed rapid recruitment and control of hyphal growth. Accordingly, depletion of PTP1B increased production of inflammatory factors including the neutrophil chemokine interleukin-8. Taken together, these findings suggest that PTP1B limits iNeutrophil motility and antimicrobial function., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Society for Leukocyte Biology. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Trichoderma spp. is known for its ability to enhance plant growth and suppress disease, but the mechanisms for its interaction with host plants and pathogens remain unclear. This study investigated the transcriptomics and metabolomics of peanut plants ( Arachis hypogaea L.) inoculated with Trichoderma harzianum QT20045, in the absence and presence of the stem rot pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii JN3011. Under the condition without pathogen stress, the peanut seedlings inoculated with QT20045 showed improved root length and plant weight, increased indole acetic acid (IAA) production, and reduced ethylene level, with more active 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate acid (ACC) synthase (ACS) and ACC oxidase (ACO), compared with the non-inoculated control. Under the pathogen stress, the biocontrol efficacy of QT20045 against S. rolfsii was 78.51%, with a similar effect on plant growth, and IAA and ethylene metabolisms to the condition with no biotic stress. Transcriptomic analysis of peanut root revealed that Trichoderma inoculation upregulated the expression of certain genes in the IAA family but downregulated the genes in the ACO family ( AhACO1 and AhACO ) and ACS family ( AhACS3 and AhACS1 ) consistently in the absence and presence of pathogens. During pathogen stress, QT20045 inoculation leads to the downregulation of the genes in the pectinesterase family to keep the host plant's cell wall stable, along with upregulation of the AhSUMM2 gene to activate plant defense responses. In vitro antagonistic test confirmed that QT20045 suppressed S. rolfsii growth through mechanisms of mycelial entanglement, papillary protrusions, and decomposition. Our findings highlight that Trichoderma inoculation is a promising tool for sustainable agriculture, offering multiple benefits from pathogen control to enhanced plant growth and soil health., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Wang, Zhao, Li, Wei, Hu, Yang, Zhou and Li.)

An elderly woman with a history of myelodysplastic syndrome complicated by cavitary pneumonia treated with antibiotics and antifungal therapy was admitted with severe sepsis and pulmonary opacities on imaging. Pulmonary infection with Scedosporium prolificans , was diagnosed on bronchopulmonary lavage (BAL). This common environmental fungus is known to cause rare but severe infection in immunocompromised hosts. The patient was diagnosed with progression to acute myeloid leukemia during the hospitalization for which chemotherapy was initiated. Despite broadening antifungal therapy, the patient developed multi-organ system failure and died., Competing Interests: None., (© 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Aim The study aims to analyze the imaging findings of invasive rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) in patients who had COVID-19. Materials and methods This retrospective descriptive study was done on confirmed (culture and histopathology) patients who had a COVID-19 infection. The data was collected from the record section from May 2021 to June 2021. Imaging data were analyzed, and findings were tabulated according to statistical methods. Results Radiological evaluation, including CT and MRI, was done in 48 cases. The ethmoid sinus was the most common sinus involved in 60.41% of cases, followed by the maxillary sinus (52.09%). Unilateral pansinusitis was observed in 21 cases (43.75%). Among periantral extensions, retroantral fat involvement was the most common finding, seen in 24 cases (50%). Lamina papyracea and the walls of the maxillary sinus were involved in eight cases (16.67%). A total of 38 cases (79.17%) exhibited involvement of the extraconal compartment, while 32 cases (66.67%) showed involvement of the intraconal compartment. In intracranial involvement, infarct was noted in 13 cases (27%), and cavernous sinus involvement in nine cases (18.75%). Conclusions ROCM is a life-threatening fungal infection in immunocompromised patients, especially diabetics. Imaging of ROCM plays a pivotal role in early diagnosis, the extent of disease, surgical planning, prognosis, and the response to treatment. Radiologists must know the imaging features and patterns of extension of ROCM., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Institutional Ethics Committee of Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences issued approval 294/IEC/IGIMS/2021. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Ranjan et al.)

Background: Fungal keratitis is an ophthalmic emergency that can cause visual impairment and blindness. We reviewed the epidemiology and clinical features of fungal keratitis in a tropical Australian setting., Objectives: To document the clinical and microbiological characteristics of fungal keratitis in an Australian tropical setting., Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients with fungal keratitis from October 2014 to December 2022 was conducted at Royal Darwin Hospital, Northern Territory, Australia. We reviewed all patients with culture-proven fungal keratitis and their outcomes., Results: There were 31 patients identified. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) patients were of a significantly younger median age (28 years) compared to non-ATSI patients (42 years), and they also presented later to health care. Contact lens use and ocular trauma were the most common predisposing factors. Most patients presented with a corneal infiltrate and corneal epithelial defect, and the central visual axis was affected in 54% of patients. Curvularia spp. and Fusarium spp. were the commonest causative fungi (39% and 30% respectively)., Conclusions: Our series is different and reveals a wider range of fungal species identified over the 7 years of the study, in particular, a range of Curvularia spp. were detected. Access to eye health services in rural and remote settings is important, particularly for ATSI patients, as morbidity remains high.

Multidrug resistant strains and fungi add to treatment conundrums in skull base osteomyelitis (SBO). Deep tissue culture in these patients is challenging due to their advanced age and co-morbidities. Besides, fungal culture positivity is seen only in 60% of invasive aspergillosis. To determine the efficacy of a minimally invasive test-Serum Galactomannan (sGM)-for diagnosing fungal SBO. Prospective observational study. Thirty- three patients, clinically diagnosed with SBO were included in this study. Baseline ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate), CRP (C- Reactive Protein), pain score, and sGM were noted for all patients. Antifungal Voriconazole was initiated on patients if the sGM values were more than 0.8. At the 12th week of treatment, all parameters were repeated and compared with the baseline values. A significant reduction was noted in ESR, CRP, and pain scores at the 12th week of treatment compared to the baseline values in patients with raised sGM values who were started on Voriconazole. For a culture-proven fungal skull base osteomyelitis with a cut-off value of sGM > / = 0.8, the obtained sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy were 81.82, 36.36, 39.13, 80 and 51.52% respectively. At a cut-off value of sGM > / = 01.6, the values of sensitivity/specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy were 81.82/72.73%, 60%, 88.89% and 75.76%. Culture-negative patients in SBO with sGM value > 0.8 were more likely to be fungal SBO. An sGM cut-off of 1.6 was observed to give maximum accuracy for diagnosing fungal SBO., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors have no conflict of interest to declare., (© Association of Otolaryngologists of India 2024. Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.)

The reported incidence of blastomycosis is increasing in certain regions of the United States. The diagnosis is primarily made via urine antigen testing, culture, or cytology smear. The differential diagnosis for blastomycosis includes pneumonia, tuberculosis, and non-infectious pulmonary disease. Clinical context and epidemiologic exposure play a crucial role in diagnosis. However, the differential can expand significantly if there is disseminated central nervous system involvement, especially if pulmonary manifestations are not seen. Imaging begins to play a vital role when differentiating disseminated blastomycosis from other etiologies such as malignancy. Herein we present a case of a 58-year-old male who presented with seizures and right sided gaze preference found to have disseminated central nervous system blastomycosis. In this article, we will discuss symptoms and imaging findings of disseminated blastomycosis to help guide diagnosis and management., (Copyright Journal of Radiology Case Reports.)

An elderly male with type 2 diabetes presented with a 2-month history of otalgia and severe headaches. He was diagnosed with malignant otitis externa (MOE) and was commenced on empirical treatment with oral ciprofloxacin. Pseudomonas is the most common cause of MOE. A baseline CT scan was undertaken that demonstrated skull base osteomyelitis (SBO) due to findings of bone erosion at the mastoid tip and an infiltrating soft tissue mass eroding the clivus. Eight weeks later, he returned with worsening and bilateral symptoms of otitis externa, hearing loss, temporomandibular pain and dysfunction. Worsening and now bilateral malignant otitis externa were confirmed with an MRI scan that also demonstrated a small fluid collection in his left temporal region. The collection was aspirated and grew scedosporium apiospermum. He was diagnosed with fungal SBO and was commenced on treatment with the antifungal voriconazole, with significant improvement in symptoms and radiological findings. Fungal osteomyelitis is more likely in immunosuppressed patients, particularly those with type 2 diabetes. Fungal aetiology should be suspected in patients with progressive symptoms, despite treatment. A microbiology diagnosis of fungal SBO or MOE can be challenging to obtain and can lead to diagnostic delay. A sampling of the external auditory canal can aid in diagnosing MOE; however, scedosporium may also be isolated as a commensal organism. Aspirations from accessible fluid collections, infratemporal fossa needle sample and bone biopsy can provide material for diagnosis. Scedosporium is a rare cause of disease in humans, however, fungal infections are increasing in humans, due to an increase in susceptible populations. Scedosporium apiospermum is a rare cause of SBO and should be considered in patients not responding to standard treatment.

A 79-year-old female presented to the emergency department for sudden-onset ocular pain, edema, and erythema around her left eye. She also had a left-sided migraine and frontal fullness for 2 weeks. She had attentive care for the diagnosis of orbital cellulitis and prompt recognition of necrotizing fasciitis. Wound cultures were positive for over 5 strains of bacteria in addition to Aspergillus . In a combined effort by our institution's Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology departments, the patient was successfully treated with debridement, porcine bladder matrix, antibiotics, and antifungals. The authors describe the first reported case of eyelid and periorbital necrotizing fasciitis, caused by mixed flora and Aspergillus fumigatus , that showed promising wound healing with the outlined treatment paradigm.

Renal Mucormycosis is a lethal opportunistic infection with extensive tissue invasion leading to infarction. We report a diabetic lady with disseminated fungal pyelonephritis presenting with extensive lytic bony lesions mimicking malignancy. Prompt initiation of antifungal therapy and surgical debridement is the key to successful management. A clinician should have a high index of suspicion for Mucormycosis in a patient with non-resolving pyelonephritis and prolonged fever., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (© 2024 Indian Journal of Nephrology | Published by Scientific Scholar.)

Chitosan, an economically viable and versatile biopolymer, exhibits a wide array of advantageous physicochemical and biological properties. Chitosan nanocomposites, formed by the amalgamation of chitosan or chitosan nanoparticles with other nanoparticles or materials, have garnered extensive attention across agricultural, pharmaceutical, and biomedical domains. These nanocomposites have been rigorously investigated due to their diverse applications, notably in combatting plant pathogens. Their remarkable efficacy against phytopathogens has positioned them as a promising alternative to conventional chemical-based methods in phytopathogen control, thus exploring interest in sustainable agricultural practices with reduced reliance on chemical interventions. This review aims to highlight the anti-phytopathogenic activity of chitosan nanocomposites, emphasizing their potential in mitigating plant diseases. Additionally, it explores various synthesis methods for chitosan nanoparticles to enhance readers' understanding. Furthermore, the analysis delves into elucidating the intricate mechanisms governing the antimicrobial effectiveness of these composites against bacterial and fungal phytopathogens., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest All authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a fungal pulmonary disease with high mortality in immunocompromised patients. Neutrophils are essential in defending against fungal infections; however, their role in PCP is controversial. Here we aim to investigate the effects of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) on Pneumocystis clearance and lung injury using a mouse model of PCP. Intriguingly, although neutrophils play a fundamental role in defending against fungal infections, NETs failed to eliminate Pneumocystis, but instead impaired the killing of Pneumocystis. Mechanically, Pneumocystis triggered Leukotriene B4 (LTB4)-dependent neutrophil swarming, leading to agglutinative NET formation. Blocking Leukotriene B4 with its receptor antagonist Etalocib significantly reduced the accumulation and NET release of neutrophils in vitro and in vivo, enhanced the killing ability of neutrophils against Pneumocystis, and alleviated lung injury in PCP mice. This study identifies the deleterious role of agglutinative NETs in Pneumocystis infection and reveals a new way to prevent NET formation, which provides new insights into the pathogenesis of PCP., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Oxalosis refers to the accumulation of calcium oxalate crystals in various organs and tissues, most commonly due to Aspergillus infection involving the lung or sinonasal tract. Both invasive and noninvasive forms of fungal rhinosinusitis can be associated with calcium oxalate crystal deposition. Here, we report a unique case of sinonasal oxalosis presenting as a destructive lesion in the absence of invasive fungal disease. Due to the clinical and pathologic significance of calcium oxalate crystals as seen in this patient, specimens from the sinonasal tract should be evaluated for the presence of these crystals, which may be a surrogate marker for fungal infection and may also independently cause tissue destruction.

CLL is associated with an increased risk of infectious complications. Treatment with BTK or BCL-2 inhibitors does not seem to increase significantly the risk of opportunistic infections, but the role of combination therapies including BTK and/or BCL-2 inhibitors remains to be established. Various infectious complications can be successfully prevented with appropriate risk management strategies. In this paper we reviewed the international guidelines on prevention and management of infectious complications in patients with CLL treated with BTK or BCL-2 inhibitors. Universal pharmacological anti-herpes, antibacterial or antifungal prophylaxis is not warranted. Reactivation of HBV should be prevented in HBsAg-positive subjects. For HBsAg-negative/HBcAb-positive patients recommendations differ, but in case of combination treatment should follow those for other, particularly anti-CD20, agent. Immunization should be provided preferably before the onset of treatment. Immunoglobulin therapy has favourable impact on morbidity but not mortality in patients with hypogammaglobulinemia and severe or recurrent infections. Lack of high-quality data and heterogeneity of patients or protocols included in the studies might explain differences among the main guidelines. Better data collection is warranted., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest F.R.M.: Funding for research and educational projects from Abbvie, Takeda, Janssen. Member of Advisory Board for AbbVie, Beigene, AstraZeneca, Janssen. A.M.F.: Member of Advisory Board for Janssen, Beigene, AstraZeneca, Abbvie. A.V.: Member of Advisory Board for AbbVie, Beigene, AstraZeneca, Janssen, CSL Behring, Takeda. C.V.: Consultancy fees from Abbvie and Astra Zeneca. M.B.: speaker/advisor fees from MSD, BioMérieux, Gilead, AstraZeneca, Advanz, and Pfizer, all outside the submitted work. C.O.: None. E.Z.: None. M.M.: grant from Gilead paid to the Institution; speaker/advisor fees from Allovir, BioMérieux, Gilead, Janssen, Moderna, Mundipharma and Pfizer, all outside the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Fungal prosthetic joint infections comprise less than 1% of prosthetic joint infections. Thus, little is known regarding optimal management. This study aims to characterize the microbiology, surgical and medical management, and outcomes for these complex infections. The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of surgical approach, antifungal treatment, fungal species, and time to onset of infection from initial surgery on patient outcomes., Methods: A retrospective record review over 12 years was performed in two health systems that included patients with a deep culture positive for a fungal isolate and the presence of a prosthetic joint. A literature review was performed using the same inclusion criteria. A total of 289 cases were identified and analyzed., Results: Candida was the most common isolate, and a two-stage revision was the most commonly employed surgical modality. The type of surgical intervention had a statistically significant relationship with outcome (P = 0.022)., Conclusions: Two-stage revision with extended antifungal therapy is preferred in these infections due to higher rates of positive outcomes., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objective: To retrospectively evaluate the clinical use of voriconazole in psittacine patients for the treatment of suspected respiratory fungal infections., Animals: 14 client-owned psittacine birds., Methods: Medical records were searched from 2012 to 2023 for voriconazole use in psittacines. Species, age, clinical signs, physical examination findings, CT reports, bloodwork results, treatment, and outcome were obtained from the records or client follow-up., Results: African grey parrots were the most prevalent species (8/14). Dyspnea (9/14) and abnormal respiratory auscultation (11/14) were the most common examination abnormalities. An initial CT was performed in all cases, and pneumonia (10/14) and air sac disease (9/14) were the most common findings, with 8 cases having both pulmonary and air sac disease. Voriconazole doses ranged from 10 to 21 mg/kg (median, 16 mg/kg), with most cases prescribed as every-12-hour frequency (12/14). Three of 14 (21%) cases died or were euthanized within 24 days of diagnosis. One case was euthanized at 311 days, and 6 cases were lost to follow-up. Four of 14 (29%) cases lived > 12 months from diagnosis. Two of these cases cleared clinical infection after receiving voriconazole at 17 to 18 mg/kg (q 12 h). No adverse effects attributable to voriconazole were reported., Clinical Relevance: Voriconazole can be safely used for the treatment of suspected fungal respiratory infection in psittacines. However, the prognosis for resolution is guarded, and prolonged treatment and repeated diagnostic imaging are necessary in many cases.

Amphotericin B (AmB) has long stood as a cornerstone in the treatment of invasive fungal infections (IFIs), especially among immunocompromised patients. However, the landscape of antifungal therapy is evolving. New antifungal agents, boasting novel mechanisms of action and better safety profiles, are entering the scene, presenting alternatives to AmB's traditional dominance. This shift, prompted by an increase in the incidence of IFIs, the growing demographic of immunocompromised individuals, and changing patterns of fungal resistance, underscores the continuous need for effective treatments. Despite these challenges, AmB's broad efficacy and low resistance rates maintain its essential status in antifungal therapy. Innovations in AmB formulations, such as lipid complexes and liposomal delivery systems, have significantly mitigated its notorious nephrotoxicity and infusion-related reactions, thereby enhancing its clinical utility. Moreover, AmB's efficacy in treating severe and rare fungal infections and its pivotal role as prophylaxis in high-risk settings highlight its value and ongoing relevance. This review examines AmB's standing amidst the ever-changing antifungal landscape, focusing on its enduring significance in current clinical practice and exploring its potential future therapeutic adaptations.

We assessed the fungal diversity present in snow sampled during summer in the north-west Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, maritime Antarctica using a metabarcoding approach. A total of 586,693 fungal DNA reads were obtained and assigned to 203 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). The dominant phylum was Ascomycota, followed by Basidiomycota, Mortierellomycota, Chytridiomycota and Mucoromycota. Penicillium sp., Pseudogymnoascus pannorum, Coniochaeta sp., Aspergillus sp., Antarctomyces sp., Phenoliferia sp., Cryolevonia sp., Camptobasidiaceae sp., Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Bannozyma yamatoana were assessed as abundant taxa. The snow fungal diversity indices were high but varied across the different locations sampled. Of the fungal ASVs detected, only 28 were present all sampling locations. The 116 fungal genera detected in the snow were dominated by saprotrophic taxa, followed by symbiotrophic and pathotrophic. Our data indicate that, despite the low temperature and oligotrophic conditions, snow can host a richer mycobiome than previously reported through traditional culturing studies. The snow mycobiome includes a complex diversity dominated by cosmopolitan, cold-adapted, psychrophilic and endemic taxa. While saprophytes dominate this community, a range of other functional groups are present., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Japan KK, part of Springer Nature.)