NICU fluconazole prophylaxis may lead to Malassezia colonisation and fungaemia

October 17 2019

IDSA recommends fluconazole prophylaxis for the first six weeks in premature neonates weighing <1kg in units with high rates (>10%) of invasive candidiasis. Dr Chen and colleagues in Taiwan found that introducing fluconazole prophylaxis reduced cases of candidaemia from 1-2 cases per year (per ~780 patients) to zero. However, Malassezia colonisation and fungaemia rose during this time.
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Fungal infection burdens presented at TIMM: Morocco, Sudan, Cote d’Ivoire, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan

October 14 2019

Estimates of the incidence and prevalence of fungal infections were presented this week at TIMM2019 (Nice, France) for a further 5 countries: Morocco, Sudan, Cote d’Ivoire, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan.
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Medical experts stress the need for new ways of diagnosing neglected tropical fungal skin disease

October 01 2019

Results of a survey of 23 centres on diagnostics for fungal NTDs (sporotrichosis, chromoblastomycosis, mycetoma) have been published by Professor Hay and colleagues. In basic healthcare settings, clinical signs and direct microscopy are are most useful.
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Survey shows 27% of dermatologists use molecular methods in their daily practice

September 26 2019

Superficial fungal infections have traditionally been diagnosed by direct microscopy, fungal culture and sometimes histopathology. Molecular methods have existed for many years, but improved uptake would be welcomed, particularly for detecting antifungal resistance.
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Combine qPCR and GM antigen tests for maximum sensitivity/specificity in disseminated Talaromycosis

September 16 2019

Talaromyces (Penicillium) marneffei can cause disseminated disease in immunocompromised patients. Dr Xinlei Li and colleagues tested a new TaqMan qPCR assay and compared it to the Platelia galactomannan antigen kit. Both performed well, and are more rapid than conventional culture.
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