Medical mycology最新文献

{"title":"Brown locusts, Locustana pardalina, host fluconazole-resistant Candidozyma (Candida) auris, closely related to Clade III clinical strains.","authors":"Adepemi Ogundeji, Maryam Bello-Akinosho, Vaughn Swart, Jonathan Featherston, Errol D Cason, Armand Bolsenbroek, Carel Beneke, Jolly Musoke, Tyla Baker, Arshad Ismail, Olihile Sebolai, Jacobus Albertyn, Carolina Pohl","doi":"10.1093/mmy/myaf069","DOIUrl":"10.1093/mmy/myaf069","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The environmental niche and mode of transmission from the environment to humans of the emerging pathogenic yeast, Candidozyma (Candida) auris is a subject of speculation, with hypotheses including avian species and marine environments. Interestingly, yeasts related to Candidozyma auris have been repeatedly observed associated with various insects. This prompted us to investigate a thermophilic insect, Locustana pardalina, as a possible host for C. auris. Here, we report the isolation and identification of three C. auris strains from the gut of L. pardalina as well as the phenotypic characterisation of one of these isolates. Interestingly, the isolate was able to survive at 50°C and grew at 15% NaCl. In addition, it was susceptible to the tested disinfectants and antifungals, except fluconazole. Genome sequencing and single-nucleotide polymorphism analyses placed the isolate in Clade III, which is common in South African hospitals. This highlights the potential role of thermotolerant insects in the evolution and dissemination of emerging pathogenic yeasts.</p>","PeriodicalId":18586,"journal":{"name":"Medical mycology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12342545/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144698991","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Epidemiological shifts of invasive fungal infections in the current era of haematology.","authors":"Patricia Monzo-Gallo, Christian Teijon-Lumbreras, Tommaso Francesco Aiello, Antonio Gallardo-Pizarro, Ana Martinez-Urrea, Mariana Chumbita, Emmanuelle Gras, Olivier Peyrony, Marta Bodro, Laura Magnano, Sabina Herrera, Maria Suarez-Lledó, Mateu Espasa, Francesc Marco, Alex Soriano, Carolina Garcia-Vidal","doi":"10.1093/mmy/myaf070","DOIUrl":"10.1093/mmy/myaf070","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We aim to describe the epidemiology and risk factors for invasive fungal infections (IFI) and invasive mould infections (IMI) in hospitalized hematologic patients within the context of current hematologic therapies. Retrospective observational cohort study conducted on consecutive hematologic patients admitted to a tertiary hospital (2020-2023). Two populations were analysed: the full cohort of hospitalized patients (FC) and the subset of patients for whom mycological testing was specifically requested to rule out an IFI (SC). Proven or probable IFI was classified using European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer criteria. Risk factors for IFI and IMI were identified. A total of 1975 patients were included in the FC, whereas 1154 were included in the SC. IFI was diagnosed in 64 patients (65 episodes), and IMI in 43 patients (44 episodes). Aspergillosis was the most common IFI (58.4%), followed by candidemia (18.5%), Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) (15.4%), mucormycosis (6.2%), and fusariosis (4.6%). Independent risk factors for IFI in the FC included acute leukemia (aOR 2.40, 95% CI 1.37-4.10, P = .002), corticosteroid use (aOR 2.36, 95% CI 1.40-4.03, P = .001) and graft versus host disease (GVHD) (aOR 2.13, 95% CI 0.93-4.46, P = .05). For IMI, risk factors were acute leukemia (aOR 2.71, 95% CI 1.33-5.52, P = .006), corticosteroid use (aOR 1.96, 95% CI 0.98-4.03, P = .05) and chronic lung disease (aOR 2.25, 95% CI 1.06-4.5, P = .02). In the SC, corticosteroid use (aOR 2.45, 95% CI 1.44-4.25, P = .001) was the independent risk factor for IFI, and corticosteroid use (aOR 2.40, 95% CI 1.21-4.91, P = .01) and GVHD (aOR 2.95, 95% CI 1.23-6.52, P = .009) were independent factors associated with IMI. Mortality was significantly higher in IFI patients compared to non-IFI patients (51.6% vs. 20.3%, P < .001). In this new era of haematology, the epidemiology of IFI is shifting, with Pneumocystis, Mucorales, and Fusarium becoming more prevalent. While corticosteroids and GVHD remain key risk factors, factors such as chronic lung disease are increasing its importance. Prolonged neutropenia may have decreased in relevance, likely due to prophylaxis. Preventing PJP has become a new challenge in IFI management.</p>","PeriodicalId":18586,"journal":{"name":"Medical mycology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144732257","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Spectrum of clinically significant melanized fungi in NIH hospitalized patients and their antifungal susceptibility profiles.","authors":"Roxana G Vitale, Sybren de Hoog, Frida Stock, Chelsea Scudder, Sherin E Shahegh, Chioma I Aneke, Ali Tolooe, Kevin P Fennelly, Michail S Lionakis, June Kwon-Chung, Amir Seyedmousavi","doi":"10.1093/mmy/myaf072","DOIUrl":"10.1093/mmy/myaf072","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Melanized fungi have occasionally been identified as causative agents of severe phaeohyphomycoses, chromoblastomycosis, and mycetoma. In a retrospective study conducted from January 2012 to December 2022, a total of 133 melanized fungi were isolated from hospitalized patients at the NIH Clinical Center, both with and without known underlying predisposing factors. Isolate identification was based on phenotypic characteristics, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF MS), and PCR sequencing of the rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Members of the black yeast order Chaetothyriales were the most prevalent (40, 30%), predominantly Exophiala dermatitidis (30/40, 75%). Other major groups included: Capnodiales (30, 22.6%), Pleosporales (24, 18%), Mycosphaerellales (19, 14.3%), Calosphaeriales (8, 6%), and Venturiales (7, 5.3%). MALDI-ToF often failed to accurately identify the isolates, except for E. dermatitidis, which yielded scores ≥2. ITS sequencing was effective in accurately identifying the melanized fungi encountered in clinical settings. Antifungal susceptibility testing against eight antifungal agents showed that azoles, micafungin, and terbinafine exhibited in vitro activity against most isolates. In contrast, olorofim and amphotericin B were less effective. Notably, Phaeoacremonium species (Calosphaeriales) exhibited distinct antifungal susceptibility patterns. Accurate identification of melanized fungi in clinical laboratories is essential for selecting effective antifungal therapy, understanding susceptibility patterns to available agents, supporting epidemiological monitoring, and ultimately enhancing clinical outcomes in patients affected by these often complex and opportunistic infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":18586,"journal":{"name":"Medical mycology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12381522/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144835704","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"\"Reactivity of cryptococcal lateral flow assay in aspergillosis, histoplasmosis, paracoccidioidomycosis, candidiasis, trichosporonosis, bacterial, and viral infections\".","authors":"Edite Hatsumi Yamashiro-Kanashiro, Kelly Aparecida Kanunfre, Evanthia Vetos Mimicos, Vera Lúcia Teixeira de Freitas, Mussya Cisotto Rocha, Érika Yoshie Shimoda Nakanishi, Márcia Eiko Miyachi, Marjorie Vieira Batista, Roberto Martinez, Marcelo Nobrega Litvoc, Nairo Massakazu Sumita, Cláudia de Abreu Fonseca, Hélio Gomes Rodrigues, Eduardo Ronner Lagonegro, Maria Aparecida Shikanai Yasuda","doi":"10.1093/mmy/myaf068","DOIUrl":"10.1093/mmy/myaf068","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Considering the need for a rapid, sensitive, and specific test for the early diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis in critical regions where lumbar puncture and culture are inaccessible, we analyzed the specificity of the Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) for cryptococcal antigen in 217 serum specimens. Group 1: 68 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-uninfected patients with paracoccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, aspergillosis, trichosporonosis, and tuberculosis; Group 2: 149 patients with HIV infection, including seven with histoplasmosis, and one with aspergillosis, and Group 3 with 24 proven cryptococcosis patients. Cross-reactivity of cryptococcal mannans and polysaccharides secreted by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, Histoplasma capsulatum, and Trichosporon spp. has been described in vitro. However, only a few cases of positive LFA tests in aspergillosis, trichosporonosis, candidemia, and bacterial infections sera have been reported. We observed false-positive LFA in 2/29 aspergillosis specimens but not in other mycoses or tuberculosis. Among 149 HIV-infected patients, three specimens tested positive, two had cytomegalovirus infections, one of whom also had toxoplasmosis and the other, Kaposi´s sarcoma; one patient had no opportunistic infections. We observed sensitivities of 0.933 (serum), 0.95 (cerebrospinal fluid [CSF]), and 1.0 (serum or CSF) for LFA, and for all negative controls (N = 217, serum), a specificity of 0.977, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.938. The specificity and NPV were 0.964 and 0.791, respectively, for 55 patients with mycoses; and 0.98 and 0.912 for 149 HIV-infected patients. We confirmed LFA's high specificity and accuracy for the control groups. There were 6.89% of false-positive results for aspergillosis, and no false-positive results for paracoccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, tuberculosis, or other bacterial diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":18586,"journal":{"name":"Medical mycology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144690920","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Octyl gallate as a treatment for Candida albicans-induced vaginal infection: Effects on fungal burden, inflammation, and Lactobacillus recovery in mice.","authors":"Yu-Tang Tung, Yi-Shan Kuo, Ya-Zhu Liu, Jin-Wei Xu, Shiming Li, Jyh-Horng Wu","doi":"10.1093/mmy/myaf066","DOIUrl":"10.1093/mmy/myaf066","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), primarily caused by Candida albicans, affects a large proportion of women and often recurs due to drug resistance. This study investigates octyl gallate, a naturally derived compound, as a novel treatment for VVC in a mouse model. Female Bagg albino, laboratory-bred strain of the House Mouse (BALB/c) mice were infected with C. albicans and treated intravaginally with octyl gallate at low and high concentrations. Results demonstrated that octyl gallate significantly reduced fungal burden, restored beneficial Lactobacillus populations, and improved histological features of the vaginal tissue. Moreover, levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-22, IL-23, and IL-1β, were markedly reduced, suggesting anti-inflammatory activity. No severe systemic side effects or hematological abnormalities were observed. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of octyl gallate as a natural, dual-action agent for managing VVC through both antifungal and immunomodulatory effects. Further research is needed to evaluate its efficacy and safety in clinical settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":18586,"journal":{"name":"Medical mycology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144690924","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identification of potential targets in bone destruction by Talaromyces marneffei: Insights from data-independent acquisition proteomics.","authors":"Junhong Zhou, Deshuang Xi, Yilin Teng, Yanbin Feng, Baicheng Wan, Shaohui Zong, Gaofeng Zeng","doi":"10.1093/mmy/myaf063","DOIUrl":"10.1093/mmy/myaf063","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To investigate the molecular mechanisms of Talaromyces marneffei (TM)-induced bone destruction through proteomic analysis using Data-Independent Acquisition (DIA) technology. Bone tissue samples were collected from eight patients (four TM-infected cases, four non-infectious controls). Samples underwent histopathological evaluation (Hematoxylin and Eosin Staining and Wright-Giemsa staining), DIA proteomics analysis, and protein validation through immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Comparative analysis between Control (Con) and Infected (Inf) groups showed similar demographics but significantly elevated inflammatory markers in Inf. Histopathology revealed extensive bone destruction, marked inflammatory infiltration, fibrinoid necrosis, and altered hematopoietic cell populations in Inf specimens compared to Con. DIA proteomics identified 5930 quantifiable proteins, with 509 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between groups. Gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway analyses revealed significant enrichment of inflammation and immune response-related functions in Inf. COMMD1 was significantly downregulated while IL-17 was upregulated in Inf, as validated by immunohistochemistry and ELISA. DIA proteomics identified downregulated COMMD1 and upregulated IL-17 in TM-induced bone destruction, suggesting potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets through inflammatory pathway modulation.</p>","PeriodicalId":18586,"journal":{"name":"Medical mycology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144690923","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"High prevalence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi (microsporidia) in asymptomatic schoolchildren, Zambia.","authors":"Mable Mutengo, Alejandro Dashti, Michaela Liptáková, Namwiinga R Mulunda, Freeman W Chabala, Kyoko Hayashida, Stanley Chinyanta, Kelly Chisanga, James Mwansa, Pamela C Köster, Mónica Santín, Javier Sotillo, Sergio Sánchez, David Carmena","doi":"10.1093/mmy/myaf065","DOIUrl":"10.1093/mmy/myaf065","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Microsporidia are single-celled, fungi-related eukaryotic intracellular parasites able to infect a wide diversity of invertebrate and vertebrate hosts. Among them, Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. (including Enc. cuniculi, Enc. hellem, and Enc. intestinalis) are known causative agents of infectious diseases in immunocompromised individuals, including HIV/AIDS patients and organ transplant recipients. Additionally, asymptomatic microsporidial infections seem more frequent than initially anticipated and might represent an overlooked public health threat. Here, we provide novel data on the occurrence and genetic diversity of microsporidial infections in individual stool samples (n = 247) collected from apparently healthy schoolchildren (age range: 5-18 years; male/female ratio: 1.1) in Lusaka, Zambia. Stool DNA samples were analysed by PCR and Sanger sequencing methods. A basic epidemiological questionnaire was used to retrieve data on variables potentially linked with higher odds of harbouring E. bieneusi infections. A high prevalence rate was found for E. bieneusi (9.3%, 23/247; 95% CI: 6.0-13.6), whereas Enc. intestinalis was much less frequent (0.4%, 1/247; 95% CI: 0.01-2.2). Four known (D, S2, S6, and Type IV) and three novel (HhZbEb1, HhZbEb2, and HhZbEb3) genotypes were identified within E. bieneusi. Genotype D was the predominant genotype found (30.8%, 4/13), followed by genotypes Type IV, HhZbEb2, and HhZbEb3 (15.4%, 2/13 each), and genotypes S2, S6, and HhZbEb1 (7.7%, 1/13 each). The only Encephalitozoon-positive sample was identified as Enc. intestinalis. Subclinical infections by E. bieneusi were common in the investigated paediatric population. Infected children could act as disregarded spreaders of microsporidial pathogens at the community level, thus representing a potential public health concern.</p>","PeriodicalId":18586,"journal":{"name":"Medical mycology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144690922","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Time- and temperature-dependent Pentraxin 3 stability in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples.","authors":"Radim Dobiáš, Valeria Skopelidou, Andrea Langer Sermeño, Jan Strakoš, Dominika Luptáková, Hana Tomášková, Milan Raška, Jozef Škarda, Denisa Bázsóová, Vladimír Havlíček","doi":"10.1093/mmy/myaf057","DOIUrl":"10.1093/mmy/myaf057","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pentraxin 3 (Ptx3) is an acute-phase protein that specifically targets fungal galactosaminogalactan and has been proposed as a promising biomarker for invasive fungal infections. However, its stability in clinical samples over time has not yet been established. This study aimed to evaluate the stability of Ptx3 in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples during mid- and long-term storage. A total of 44 serum and 52 BALF samples were examined or re-examined for Ptx3 concentrations using enzyme immunoassay in pooled and individual sample formats. Samples were stored at -80°C, -20°C, and +37°C for periods ranging from 0 to 56 months. Statistical analyses included a paired two-sample Wilcoxon signed-rank test, analysis of variance, Bonferroni test, and linear regression analysis. Ptx3 remained highly stable in serum and BALF samples for up to 8 months at -20°C, with variations ranging from -1.8% to +2.8%. Long-term stability was observed at -80°C for 48 months, followed by a slow decline in Ptx3 levels. In contrast, storage at +37°C resulted in rapid degradation, with a 36.5%-60.7% increase or a 92.9%-97% decrease in Ptx3 levels in serum and BALF, respectively. These findings confirm that Ptx3 is a stable and reliable biomarker for invasive fungal infections when appropriate storage conditions are maintained.</p>","PeriodicalId":18586,"journal":{"name":"Medical mycology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12247167/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144506529","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Performance of Fungitell STAT point-of-care test for the diagnosis of invasive fungal diseases.","authors":"Camille Cordier, Nicolas Lauwerier, Emmanuel Faure, Julien Poissy, Anahita Rouzé, Nadine François, Fanny Vuotto, Séverine Loridant, Jordan Leroy, Marjorie Cornu, Boualem Sendid","doi":"10.1093/mmy/myaf050","DOIUrl":"10.1093/mmy/myaf050","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>(1→3)-ß-d-glucans (BDG), major cell wall components of most pathogenic fungi, are useful for the diagnosis of invasive fungal diseases (IFD) due to their high negative predictive value. For several years, a number of BDG detection tests are commercially available, including Fungitell Assay (FA) and Wako assay, and more recently Fungitell STAT (STAT) unit test. Our aim was to compare the performance of the two Fungitell assays for IFD diagnosis. Sera from 90 patients with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP, n = 30), candidemia (n = 30), and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA, n = 30), 30 patients colonized by P. jirovecii, and 70 healthy controls (women followed-up during pregnancy) were analyzed retrospectively. STAT and FA assays were performed according to manufacturer's instructions. The overall level of agreement between two Fungitell assays was excellent (weighted Cohen's kappa = 0.87 [95% CI: 0.80-0.94]). BDG rates were significantly higher in candidemia, IPA and PJP than in healthy controls (P < .0001). BDG rates were also significantly higher in PJP than for P. jirovecii colonization (P < .0001). Area Under the Curve (AUC) of STAT (0.92) was higher than FA (0.86) for IFD diagnosis. Using optimized positivity thresholds for IFD diagnosis (94 pg/ml and 0.86 for FA and STAT, respectively), sensitivities and specificities were 78.9% and 90% for FA and 85.6% and 88.6% for STAT, respectively. AUC of FA and STAT were higher for PJP diagnosis than for candidemia and IPA diagnosis. Compared to FA, STAT assay represents an interesting option for emergency IFD diagnosis and for small care centers.</p>","PeriodicalId":18586,"journal":{"name":"Medical mycology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144208965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fungal diagnostics capacity in Malaysia: A survey across 48 laboratories.","authors":"Sahlawati Mustakim, Jacinta Santhanam, Wan Nur Athirah Muhammad Ghazali, Murnihayati Hassan, Tzar Mohd Nizam, Syaziah Ibrahim, Marlinda Mohd Ali, Rayuwani Mohamad Kamal, Hafzan Baharim, Aniz Suriani Mohd Ali, Nor Izzah Mazan, Rinni Damayanti Samsuddin, Mohd Zaki Mohd Zaili, Noorhayati Abdul Rahman, Sharifah Saidah Syed Omar, Ruzanna Dayanna Zawawi, Ruixin Tan, Nor Akmal Mokhtar, Amalina Rozik, Nurzam Suhaila Che Hussin, Nurulhuda Umur Adli, Zarifah Zam, Nor Anisa Md Radzi, Susilahwati Muhammad, Noor Hasliza Zainol, Nurul Azira Sidek, Azura Hussin, Wan Azlirull Aini Ahmad Ghazali, Yuhin Karina Yusoff, Siti Hawa Hamzah, Edahayati Ahmad Tajudin, Roshalina Rosli, Rukumani Devi Velayuthan, Norlela Othman, Dayangku Seritul Akmar Abd Razak, Nasrina Nasran, Wei Chuan Chua","doi":"10.1093/mmy/myaf056","DOIUrl":"10.1093/mmy/myaf056","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fungal infections affect 2% of Malaysia's population, yet little is known about mycology laboratory practices in the country. This study surveyed 48 medical institutions, including 14 state hospitals, 26 major specialist hospitals, 4 minor specialist hospitals, 3 university hospitals, and 1 reference laboratory, to assess current practices and identify areas for improvement. Nearly all hospitals performed germ tube testing for Candida albicans (87.5%, 42/48). Yeast identification was conducted using API® (52%, 25/48) or VITEK® (52%, 25/48), with two institutions employing both methods. Advanced methods like matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) were used in only 39.6% (19/48) of institutions, while PCR and DNA sequencing (6.3%, 3/48 each) were limited to university and reference labs. Mould identification primarily relied on the tease mount method (91.7%, 44/48), indicating widespread capability for morphological identification. Antifungal susceptibility testing for yeast was available in all hospitals except minor specialist hospitals, using VITEK® (35.4%, 17/48), Sensititre® (20.8%, 10/48), or Etest® (8.3%, 4/48). Serology testing focused on opportunistic mycoses, particularly Cryptococcus spp. (50.0%, 24/48), while testing for endemic pathogens like Histoplasma was rare (2.1%, 1/48). Aspergillosis testing was limited to galactomannan enzyme immunoassay and lateral flow assay (6.3%, 3/48 each), and no institutions performed (1,3)-beta-d-glucan testing. While advanced diagnostics were available in state and major hospitals, minor specialist hospitals lacked access. These findings highlight the urgent need to enhance laboratory infrastructure, expand access to advanced diagnostics like MALDI-TOF, and train personnel to improve fungal infection management in Malaysia.</p>","PeriodicalId":18586,"journal":{"name":"Medical mycology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144485039","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}