What is blood infecting fungal?5 answersBloodstream infections by fungal pathogens are a significant concern in healthcare settings, particularly among immunocompromised patients. Candida species, such as C. albicans and C. tropicalis, are commonly implicated in bloodstream infections in patients with hematologic malignancies, leading to high mortality rates. Additionally, other emerging fungal pathogens like Trichosporon asahii have been reported to cause bloodstream co-infections, especially in critically ill patients, further complicating treatment and outcomes. Furthermore, Paecilomyces variotii, a fungus associated with various human infections, has been found to infect red blood cells, triggering an oxygen-dependent cytotoxicity mechanism as a host defense response in chronic blood infections. Early and accurate diagnosis of these blood-infecting fungi is crucial for improving patient outcomes, emphasizing the importance of utilizing blood-based fungal biomarkers in at-risk populations, especially children with invasive fungal infections.
How many mycoviral vsrs are there?4 answersA comprehensive review of mycoviruses revealed the existence of 267 mycovirus species, with 189 recognized by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). A systematic survey of transcriptomic data from fungi identified 59 viruses from 44 different fungi, with 89% being new species and 68% representing the first virus described from the fungal species. Additionally, a study examining diverse human-pathogenic fungi identified 11 RNA viral genomes from six classified families and two unclassified lineages, including eight genomes likely representing new species. Furthermore, a high-throughput sequencing-based metatranscriptomic approach detected 66 previously undescribed mycoviruses from five plant-pathogenic fungi, expanding the known diversity of mycoviruses. In total, these studies collectively contribute to the understanding of mycoviral diversity, highlighting the presence of numerous mycovirus species across different fungal hosts.
What are viral insulins?5 answersViral insulins, specifically Viral Insulin-Like Peptides (VILPs), are proteins encoded by certain viruses that exhibit significant homology to human insulin and insulin-like growth factors. These VILPs, identified in the Iridoviridae virus family, can bind to human and murine insulin/IGF-1 receptors, stimulating receptor autophosphorylation and downstream signaling. Through chemical synthesis, it has been shown that VILPs can act as potent agonists or antagonists at the human insulin and IGF-1 receptors, influencing glucose uptake and cellular proliferation. Additionally, VILPs have demonstrated the ability to lower blood glucose levels in mice and modulate tissue-specific glucose uptake, highlighting their potential as active members of the insulin superfamily with unique characteristics.
What respiratory tract infections are caused by the fungal flora of the respiratory tract?5 answersRespiratory tract infections caused by fungal flora include invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and mucormycosis. These infections can occur in individuals with severe viral respiratory tract infections, such as those caused by influenza virus or coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Fungal infections can complicate pneumonia caused by these viral infections and are associated with increased disease severity and mortality. Other fungal respiratory infections, such as Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), can occur in patients with both COVID-19 and underlying HIV infection. The severity of these fungal infections depends on the fungi involved and the immunological state of the patient. Early diagnosis of these infections is critical for patient survival, and molecular diagnostic methods have been developed as a fast and reliable alternative to culture-based methods.
Which anti-virals have been shown to be effective in the treatment of HCMV in humans?5 answersGanciclovir (GCV) is an effective anti-viral for the treatment of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections. Letermovir and maribavir are novel drugs that have shown efficacy against HCMV with less toxicity and drug resistance. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have also been explored as a potential therapeutic option for HCMV infection. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has been investigated as a treatment strategy for HCMV in immunocompromised patients. Isavuconazole, an extended-spectrum triazolic antifungal drug, has shown broad-spectrum activity against HCMV and has potential for repurposing in the treatment of HCMV-associated diseases.
Which virus is associated with venereal and respiratory tract warts and produces lesions of the skin and mucous membranes?3 answersHuman papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with venereal and respiratory tract warts and produces lesions of the skin and mucous membranes.