Cancer is one of the causes responsible for the most deaths worldwide; in 2020, for example, it resulted in ten million deaths. It has been estimated that micro-organism infections caused between 13-18% of these cases. Until now, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified thirteen micro-organisms as carcinogenic, which include viruses, bacteria … Read more
Editor’s Note:The Case Challenge series includes difficult-to-diagnose conditions, some of which are not frequently encountered by most clinicians, but are nonetheless important to accurately recognize. Test your diagnostic and treatment skills using the following patient scenario and corresponding questions. If you have a case that you would like to suggest for a future Case Challenge, … Read more
In lab tests, Magnolia essential oil disrupted harmful bacteria and neutralized free radicals, showing promise as a natural solution for food safety and antimicrobial packaging. Study: Magnolia essential oil: a preliminary exploration of chemical composition and its antimicrobial and antioxidant potential. Image Credit: Elena.Katkova / Shutterstock In a recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology, … Read more
Mucormycosis, a fungal infection caused by Mucorales, has high mortality rates in people with weakened immune systems and those suffering from severe trauma like burns, blast injuries or victims of natural disasters. The disease caused serious infection among COVID-19 patients treated with high doses of corticosteroids with mortality rates close to 60 percent. In the … Read more
Infection Concerns Candida infections are on the rise globally, ranging from mild mucosal infections, such as oropharyngeal and vulvovaginal candidiasis, to severe, life-threatening conditions, such as candidemia and invasive candidiasis. The increasing resistance to antifungals, particularly in strains such as Candida auris and fluconazole-resistant C parapsilosis poses significant challenges. In response, the European Confederation for … Read more
Researchers have used artificial intelligence to identify 25 new protein compounds that can kill bacteria and fungi, including two that showed particular potency against skin and lung infections in mice. The results, published in Science Advances on Feb. 5, suggest that AI could be used to generate new drugs in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. … Read more