MycoWeekly Newsletter

Your Weekly Dose of Mycology Research

Investigation of voriconazole heteroresistance in clinical isolates of Trichosporon asahii from a multicenter study in China

2025-06-20
Microbiology spectrum • Level 2 (7 panels)
Chenlu Liu, Qiaoying Gao, Yingxing Li, Jinhan Yu, Shuying Yu, Xinfei Chen, Xue Li, Y. Xu, Ying Zhao, Lina Guo

Heteroresistance refers to variability in antifungal sensitivity within microbial populations, impacting treatment outcomes. This study is the first to document voriconazole heteroresistance in Trichosporon asahii, finding significant levels across 62 clinical isolates in China. Results challenge the reliability of minimal inhibitory concentrations for treatment guidance of this emerging pathogen.

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Fungi under fire: diagnostic capacities and antifungal availability in Peruvian healthcare facilities

2025-06-20
Microbiology spectrum • Level 2 (7 panels)
Julio Maquera-Afaray, Luis E Cuéllar, Oliver A Cornely, J. Salmanton-García

Invasive fungal infections (IFI) significantly impact global health, with Peru experiencing notable challenges in diagnosis and treatment. A comprehensive study of 54 healthcare centers revealed major disparities in access to advanced diagnostics and antifungals, particularly outside the capital. Addressing these gaps is crucial for effective IFI management and improved patient outcomes in Peru.

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Increased fungal burden in the gastrointestinal tract of brain-dead organ donors

2025-06-18
Microbiology spectrum • Level 2 (7 panels)
Erika J. Nachman, Colleen K Ardis, A. K. B. Ardis, Javier Nieto, Madeline M. Bresson, Clare M. Robertson, Maggie N. Seale, Nora M. Villafuerte, Zhe Lyu, Eva C. Preisner, H. Danhof, Sara C. Di Rienzi, Yolanda T. Becker, RA Britton

A recent study in mycology reveals that brain-dead organ donors exhibit an increased fungal burden in the gastrointestinal tract compared to donation after circulatory death donors. This disparity, marked by a higher prevalence of Candida spp., is linked to corticosteroid use and parenteral feeding in brain-dead donors, suggesting these practices may elevate invasive fungal infection risks for transplant recipients.

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A benchmark dataset for validating FKS1 mutations in Candida auris

2025-06-18
Microbiology spectrum • Level 2 (7 panels)
E. Misas, Lindsay A. Parnell, M. Rajeev, Luisa F. López, A. Santos, Zachary B. Mudge, L. Gade, Kaitlin Forsberg, M. Lyman, D. Sexton, A. Litvintseva, S. R. Lockhart, N. Chow

A new benchmark dataset, comprising 100 whole-genome sequenced Candida auris isolates, has been developed to validate echinocandin resistance detection tools. Utilizing MycoSNP-nf, the study identified FKS1 mutations in resistant strains, aiding in refining genomic approaches to combat rising echinocandin resistance in C. auris, critical for global healthcare systems.

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