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Background: Pityriasis Versicolor (PV) is a chronic superficial fungal infection of skin caused by lipophilic yeast Malassezia species. Its prevalence, predisposing factors and clinical presentations varies in different geographical locations around the world. Despite being a common disease, its diagnosis and treatment remain a challenge. The aim of this study was to document the clinico-epidemiological characteristics of the participants diagnosed with PV. Materials and Methods: A descriptive crosssectional study was carried out on 104 consecutive participants attending the Outpatient Department of National Research Institute of Unani Medicine for Skin Disorders, Hyderabad during 1st July, 2020 and 31stJuly, 2021. Their demographic data, risk factors, clinical features, and temperament were recorded in the case record form. The participants were diagnosed clinically and confirmed by direct microscopy. The data were analysed retrospectively. Results: In this study, 75 participants (72%) were males and the ratio of male to female was 2.6:1. The most frequently affected participants were in 20-40 years of age group. The mean age was 29.14 (±10.52) years. PV was present in 28.8% students, 21.15% workers, 31.7% employees, 11.5% housewives and 6.7% businessmen. The most common affected site was back followed by neck and chest. PV was found prone to the Fitzpatrick skin types 4 (49.03%) and 3 (27.8%). Hypo-pigmented lesions were more common. The Malassezia species was present in multiple lesions of all the participants. Conclusions: This study documented the clinico-epidemiological profile of PV. The findings of this study may provide us current understanding of PV in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cavernous sinus syndrome (CSS) consists of a variable combination of involvement of the 3rd-to-6th cranial nerves. The etiologies vary across studies, and it has a significant impact on the outcome. This study was done to delineate the etiology, clinico-radiological profile and outcome of CSS. In this prospective study, patients were recruited consecutively over 2 years, and were followed up for at least 6 months. MRI of the brain and orbit with contrast was done, and other relevant investigations were performed to arrive at a specific etiology. Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome (THS) was defined in accordance with the second edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-II). Results: Of the 92 patients studied, THS was the predominant diagnosis, followed by Tuberculosis, fungal infection, aneurysm, neoplastic and Sjögren's syndrome. Cranial nerves commonly involved were 3rd, 4th, 6th and 5th. The optic nerve was affected in 54.3% of patients. The non-THS patients showed the greater occurrence of proptosis, complete ophthalmoplegia, involvement of optic nerve and cranial nerves 7th–10th. Nasal blockage was present in fungal infection. MRI revealed more frequent involvement of orbit in non-THS cases. Bony erosions, ICA narrowing, intracranial extension and involvement of paranasal sinus were seen in fungal infection and neoplasm. THS patients improved with corticosteroid therapy, although, there was recurrence in 8 patients. Conclusions: THS and tuberculosis were the most common cause of CSS. Clinical and radiological features were useful in distinguishing among the etiologies. Most of the patients responded to treatment, although, recurrence was seen in THS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: Mucormycosis is an angio‐invasive rapidly progressing fungal infection, usually reported in immunocompromised individuals. We present a case of COVID‐associated mucormycosis in a patient with a presenting symptom of toothache in the maxilla with a possible mild case of COVID‐19. Coronavirus‐associated mucormycosis (CAM) had reached epidemic status, especially during the second wave of COVID‐19. It was especially prevalent in India with a large mortality rate. Mucormycosis, particularly the rhinocerebral type is seen to be greatly associated with COVID‐19, especially in patients with altered immunity. Uncontrolled diabetes, chronic kidney disease, immunocompromised patients, malignant hematological diseases, etc. are the major risk factors of CAM, precipitated by the injudicious use of corticosteroids for the treatment of COVID‐19. CAM may often present in the maxillofacial region which warrants that dental clinicians be aware of the clinical presentation, diagnostic guidelines, and appropriate management measures for the disease. This report is one such case of CAM involving the posterior maxilla in a middle‐aged individual with mild COVID‐19 symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 commonly present with myriad symptoms that mimic other clinical entities, notable amongst which is tuberculosis. Besides histoplasmosis and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, which can mimic TB, this review has identified several other fungal infections which also do. A total of 80 individual cases misdiagnosed as TB are highlighted: aspergillosis (n = 18, 22.5%), histoplasmosis (n = 16, 20%), blastomycosis (n = 14, 17.5%), cryptococcosis (n = 11, 13.8%), talaromycosis (n = 7, 8.8%), coccidioidomycosis (n = 5, 6.3%), mucormycosis (n = 4, 5%), sporotrichosis (n = 3, 3.8%), phaeohyphomycosis (n = 1, 1.3%) and chromoblastomycosis (n = 1, 1.3%). Case series from India and Pakistan reported over 100 cases of chronic and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis had received anti-TB therapy before the correct diagnosis was made. Forty-five cases (56.3%) had favorable outcomes, and 25 (33.8%) died, outcome was unclear in the remainder. Seventeen (21.3%) cases were infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Diagnostic modalities were histopathology (n = 46, 57.5%), culture (n = 42, 52.5%), serology (n = 18, 22.5%), cytology (n = 2, 2.5%), gene sequencing (n = 5, 6.3%) and microscopy (n = 10, 12.5%) including Gram stain, India ink preparation, bone marrow smear and KOH mount. We conclude that the above fungal infections should always be considered or ruled out whenever a patient presents with symptoms suggestive of tuberculosis which is unconfirmed thereby reducing prolonged hospital stay and mortalities associated with a delayed or incorrect diagnosis of fungal infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There are increasing reports of the occurrence of fungal co-infections in Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients resulting in severe morbidity among predisposed individuals. Mucormycosis is an Invasive Fungal Infection (IFI). Early anticipation and identification of fungal co-infections can significantly reduce morbidity rate among COVID-19 infected patients. Aim: To determine quantitatively the levels of ferritin and D-dimer in COVID-19 infected patients with mucormycosis. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 84 Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR) positive for COVID-19 in oropharyngeal swab patients from June 2021 to August 2021 at Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Kolar, Karnataka, India. D-dimer and ferritin levels were measured in the patient's blood sample using Latex Enhanced Immunoturbidimetric method in Vitros 5.1 FS and Vitros Eci Immunodiagnostics, respectively. Continuous data represented as mean and standard error of mean, Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test was used to test significance, p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Of the 84 COVID-19 Infected patients, 40 were included in group 1, 25 patients in group 2 and 19 patients in group 3. A total of 21 patients were aged between 20-40 years, 48 patients between 41-60 years age group and 15 patients were in 61-80 years of age group. The number of male patients was 63 and female patients were 21. The D-dimer levels were 1259.37±258.9, 2632.60±472.6 and 229.53±18.4 (p-value <0.001) in group 1, 2 and 3, respectively and ferritin levels were 528.58±45.03, 511.48±74.4, and 256.89±51.8 (p-value <0.007) in group 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Conclusion: Serum ferritin and plasma D-dimer were significantly elevated in COVID-19 patients with mucormycosis. Mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients without pre-existing co-morbidities may be attributed to the use of steroid therapy in these patients for COVID-19 infection. Thus, serum ferritin and plasma dimer levels may have a significant predictive role in the risk assessment for the development of mucormycosis among COVID-19 infected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Only about 0.1% (over 250 fungal species) are recognized as human pathogens. Their incidence and diversity has increased dramatically in recent years. Mucormycosis, a rare, potentially deadly infection, is caused by the fungus of the order Mucorales. But when it does occur, it is well remembered by those who have cared for the afflicted patient because of the speed with which it can progress. It has certainly earned the designation of the most acutely fatal fungal infection known to man. This study is undertaken to assess the surgical management, and outcome of rhino-orbital mucormycosis Aims and Objectives: To study the surgical treatment management and their outcomes. Materials and Methods: This study was done in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Gadag Institute Of Medical Sciences, Gadag, Karnataka, India. The study was done from June 2020 to September 2021. Thirty people were included in the study. Results: Without the surgery it was fatal in 100 percent. With multiple surgeries depending upon the extensions the result was found to be very good without taking the co-morbidities, initial signs and symptom into consideration. Conclusion: Its very deadly so prompt surgical management is a necessity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been a rising trend in the number of histoplasmosis cases reported in the recent years. However, in southern India, the number of cases is relatively less. This report is about a 46-year-old Indian male from Tamil Nadu who presented with decreased appetite, vomiting, and giddiness. In view of persistent hyponatremia and hypotension, a work-up for adrenal insufficiency was done, and serum cortisol was found to be low. Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) showed bilateral adrenal enlargement with peripheral rim enhancement and hypodense areas within. There was a diagnostic dilemma between tubercular and fungal aetiology. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) of the adrenal gland showed features suggestive of histoplasmosis. The patient was treated with itraconazole along with steroid replacement therapy, leading to marked improvement in his overall condition. In immunocompetent individuals, disseminated histoplasmosis with adrenal gland involvement is a rare occurrence. As an unusual presentation of histoplasmosis, this case adds to the body of literature available from Tamil Nadu, which is a non endemic region for histoplasmosis, with only 15 cases being reported as of 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Fungal infections are mostly an opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients and posttraumatic in immunocompetent adults. However, there has been a recent increasing trend of cases among immunocompetent adults with no history of trauma. Very few case series describing the clinicopathological picture of prevalent fungi are available from the various regions of India. Aims and Objectives: The present study aims to analyze clinicopathological features of various cases of fungal etiology with unique or rare presentations. Materials and Methods: This study included a clinicopathological analysis of surgical specimens received for histopathological examination at our hospital with special emphasis on cases with rare or unique presentations during the 1-year period from June 2019 to June 2020. Results: A total of 11 cases of fungal lesions with rare or unique clinicopathological presentations were selected for analysis. Majority of the patients were male, and most of them were from a rural background. There were four cases of aspergillosis, two cases of fungal keratitis, one case of renal aspergillosis, and one case of a subcutaneous swelling with discharging sinus. There were three cases of chromoblastomycosis, which presented as subcutaneous swellings with no lesion of overlying skin. There was an incidental finding of Candida sp. in two esophageal endoscopic biopsies, which primarily revealed esophageal adenocarcinoma. There was one case each of eumycetoma and mucormycosis. However, the mucormycosis case occurred in the setting of fungal abscess with osteomyelitis of the left mandible. Conclusion: Fungal lesions have revealed an increasing trend of infections in immunocompetent individuals in recent years, with various unique clinicopathological presentations. Therefore, there is a need for increased vigilance and analysis of such cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants have been the foundation of several traditional medicinal systems all over the world to provide mankind with new remedies for thousands of years and still continue. In the ancient times human understanding about medicine was always near to some plant. It was the time when medicinal system was entirely based on plants. Among different medicinally useful plants one such plant is called Selaginella bryopteris L. in the botanical world and also known as Sanjeevani due to its magical medicinal properties. It is an herb which is traditionally used in many health-related problems like bacterial, viral, fungal infections, allergy, curing wounds, irregular menstruations and uterine disorders. According to some reports it is also used for fitness and better life span by the tribal communities of India. Different researchers across the country investigated and came up with its unique different properties and new possibilities every time. Apart from these Hindu mythological evidences are there which tells about its extraordinary potential of infuses life to dead. So, it is certainly a matter of more and more research to find out its ever-new hidden capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term phaeohyphomycosis (PHM) means dark-pigmented fungal hyphae. Cerebral PHM (CPHM) with onychomycosis is extremely rare; very few have been reported so far. The authors report a case of CPHM with onychomycosis in a 37-year-old male from a rural background in Haryana, India, with involvement of the left frontal lobe. The mass was resected and biopsy was sent for histopathological examination. He was given antifungal drugs in the postoperative period. The patient responded very well to the treatment, and there were no signs of recurrence at the 6-month follow-up visit. The clinical features, imaging and histopathological investigations, and management of this rare entity are discussed, and the available literature is also reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal peritonitis (FP) is a rare, but serious complication of peritoneal dialysis. We analyzed the incidence of FP, associated risk factors and outcome of patients with FP and evaluated the role of prophylactic antifungal agent in reducing its incidence. We studied all patients with FP from January 2005 to January 2012. Study period was divided into two parts, period I (January 2005 to January 2010), when prophylactic antifungal was not used and period II (January 2010 to January 2012), when prophylactic antifungal (fluconazole) was used. A total of 142 episodes of peritonitis were documented during this period of which 20 (14%) were FP. During the study period I, 18 of 102 episodes of peritonitis (17.6%) and in the study period II (with antifungal prophylaxis), only 2 of 40 episodes of peritonitis (5%) were due to fungal infection (P = 0.04). Nine out of 20 patients (45%) had prior exposure to antibiotics. Fungal isolates were Candida albicans in 65%, non‑albicans Candida in 25%, Rhizopus species in 5% and Alternaria in 5% of the patients. While 12 out of 20 patients (60%) recovered completely and were re‑initiated on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), 4 of them expired (20%) and 4 others (20%) were shifted to hemodialysis. Use of prophylactic antifungal agent significantly reduced the incidence of FP (P = 0.04). We conclude that - fluconazole when used as a prophylactic agent in the setting of bacterial peritonitis significantly reduces the incidence of subsequent FP in CAPD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mucormycosis is a life-threatening fungal disease in immunocompromised patients. There has been increase in the number of mucormycosis associated with COVID-19 patients in second wave. Now country battle with both COVID-19 and mucormycosis. An invasive mucormycosis infection has been a significant burden in India after COVID-19. It has been recently emerged a notifiable disease by the Rajasthan government. Our aim is to develop awareness regarding the importance of early detection and treatment of mucormycosis with COVID-19 and reduce the morbidity and mortality., Materials and Methods: This is a Prospective longitudinal study including 34 patients diagnosed with acute invasive fungal infection by contrast enhancement magnetic resonance imaging studies of paranasal, orbit and brain or nasal biopsy for KOH/culture. Diagnosis is made through routine blood tests, biopsy, and radiological imaging. The patients taken for the study were COVID-19 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction positive or recent post COVID-19 (within 15 days) or symptoms of COVID-19 with bilateral pneumonitis. The study was conducted with 34 patients admitted to the department of medicine with mucormycosis within a month may 2021., Results: A total of 34 patients with a mean age of 50.92 years old and male female ratio 24/10 (70.5/29.41) were included in this study. The most common comorbidity was diabetes mellitus (23 patients 67.64%). Nine patients were newly diagnosed or recent onset of diabetes with or after COVID-19 infection. Twenty-four (70.58%) patients were COVID-19 positive or recent (within 15 days) history of COVID-19 positive. Seven (20.58) patients had the history of steroid as a treatment during COVID-19 and 5 (14.70) patients was on oxygen inhalation. One (2.94%) patient was fully vaccinated, and 5 (14.70) patients had the history of steam inhalation. The most common involvement was naso-orbital mucormycosis found in 28 patients (82.35%) followed by nasal-and orbital 26 (76.47) and 18 (52.94), respectively. Naso-Orbito-Cerebral was seen in 16 (47.05) patients. The more common reported symptoms and signs were headache (76.47), facial numbness (64.70), Nasal discharge (52.94), and ophthalmoplegia (52.94). Cranial nerve involvement was seen in 10 patients (facial palsy in 8 patients and bulbar palsy in 2 patients). Total mortality was 7 (7/34 20.58%)., Conclusion: COVID-19 infection associated with the wide range of invasive mucormycosis. Early diagnosis and Clinical suspicion of acute invasive fungal sinusitis among COVID-19 patients is essential for better outcomes and higher survival., Competing Interests: None

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) has a substantial worldwide prevalence and is a major cause of hearing impairment. In cases of CSOM unresponsive to local antibiotics, superimposed fungal infection should be suspected. The aim of the present study was to study the spectrum of cases with fungal otitis media. The study was conducted over a period of 12 years (2006-2017). Fifteen cases of CSOM clinically not suspected to be of fungal etiology that underwent surgery with identification of fungal organisms on histopathology were included in the study. Age of the patients ranged from 12 to 75 years (mean age: 37.1 ± 22.7 years). Of 15 cases, 9 (60.0%) were males and 6 (40.0%) were females. It was a unilateral presentation in all. The complaints observed were ear discharge in all followed by itching (86.7%), pain (46.7%), decreased hearing (26.7%) and blocking sensation (13.3%). Histomorphologic typing of fungus was possible in 13/15 patients. Isolated aspergillus was identified in eight patients while mucor alone was seen in three patients. Mixed infection with Aspergillus + Candida and Aspergillus + Mucor was seen in one patient each. Categorization of fungus could not be done in rest of the two patients due to paucity of fungal profiles. Histopathological identification of fungal organisms in otomycosis provides a quick and fairly reliable diagnosis. Culture is considered the gold standard but it may not always be available or fruitful. Less turnaround time and accurate diagnosis facilitates prompt and optimal therapy in fungal otitis media thus preventing adverse outcomes.

Numerous health complaints occur with respect to indoor air quality and scanty information is available on the air flora, particularly with respect to bio-aerosols in India. This paper reports a study which examined air quality in a prominent temple in the city of Mumbai. It was found that the indoor microbial load was significantly higher probably because appropriate ventilation systems were lacking. In the festive month of September, the highest bacterial counts (13.98 × 104 CFU/m3) and fungal counts (9.22 × 104 CFU/m3) were observed. Pseudomonas spp. and Aspergillus spp. were found to be predominant in the air microflora sampled. Correlation analysis with meteorological factors such as temperature, relative humidity and wind speed showed that these were non-significant. The study indicated that poor ventilation, number of occupants and their activities in a given area are largely responsible for the variation in microbial loads observed. The data generated underline the question of monitoring crowded areas including places of religious importance. Some remedial measures are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]