New Fusarium species causing fungal rhinosinusitis

May 21 2018

A new species, Fusarium riograndense, was found to be the cause of fungal rhinosinusitis in an 11-year-old neutropenic Brazilian boy, who had previously received chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Treatment with voriconazole was successful.
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WHO releases its first Essential Diagnostic List

May 16 2018

Following its Advisory meeting in April 2018, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued its first listing of Essential Diagnostics. The list is split into general laboratory tests (n= 58) and specific tests for key infections (HIV. TB, hepatitis, syphilis and human papilloma virus) (n=55). It is also split into sections relating to testing in primary care settings versus hospital laboratory settings.
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Clinical patterns of mucormycosis in northwest India

May 16 2018

A 5-year survey of clinical patterns of mucormycosis in India reveals that diabetes and intramuscular injections are risk factors for mucormycosis, with presentation often being rhino-orbital-cerebral (45%), cutaneous (30%) or pulmonary (17%). Rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential to reduce mortality rates.
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How not to miss a blastomycosis diagnosis in children

May 14 2018

Blastomycosis is a life-threatening disease that presents with mainly nondescript viral symptoms (fever, fatigue, cough, joint pain), but additional signs such as skin lesions and fractures are suggestive of extrapulmonary blastomycosis, particularly in children with a recent history of outdoorsy pursuits or who live near water.
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Fluorescent brightener 85 (FB85), a new stain for diagnosing onychomycosis?

May 09 2018

Calcofluor white is used to visualise fungal hyphae under the microscope, but it may not offer a great deal of additional utility over KOH in cases of suspected onychomycosis. Fluorescent brightener 85, a dye used in the wood and textile industries, may be a valuable alternative.
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