All articles tagged with #fungal infection
A rare but deadly fungus, Cladophialophora bantiana, is causing a sharp rise in brain abscesses across the US. A new CDC report shows cases quadrupled between 2023 and 2025, with a 60-70% fatality rate. The fungus uniquely affects healthy individuals, and the reasons for the surge remain unknown.
A U.S. clinical reference laboratory reported a fourfold increase in detected cases of Cladophialophora bantiana, a rare fungal infection that primarily targets the brain. Between 2023 and 2025, annual cases jumped from a baseline of one to five to 14 in 2025. The infection carries a case-fatality rate of up to 70% and affects both healthy and immunosuppressed individuals. Researchers attribute the rise to potential climate change effects, improved molecular testing, or increased specimen submission, though the exact cause remains unclear.
A new fungal infection, Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TM7), is spreading in the United States and causing ringworm-like rashes that can be itchy and persistent. Minnesota has reported the largest current cluster, with cases also emerging in other states. TM7 spreads via close skin-to-skin contact, including intimate contact, and most infections respond to oral antifungals such as terbinafine, though some patients may need longer or alternative treatments. Early diagnosis helps ensure proper treatment and reduce transmission; while anyone can be infected, health officials have noted higher prevalence in men who have sex with men.
A drug-resistant fungal infection caused by Candida auris is spreading across Arizona and other states, with Arizona reporting over 300 cases since 2022 and Pima County cases rising from 31 in 2024 to 59 in 2025. The fungus spreads through contact with affected patients or contaminated surfaces, and its symptoms vary by infection site, making detection challenging. Hand washing is the best prevention, and nationwide data show rising infections in 27 states.
A Spring Hill woman died as Tennessee health officials investigate a cluster of histoplasmosis cases, a rare fungal infection; authorities warned doctors to be on alert for more cases amid the health department’s probe.
A model and social media influencer, Madelynn May, was hospitalized after smoking a joint with mold spores, leading to severe fungal infection and lung failure. She spent years in recovery, undergoing multiple procedures, and now shares her story to raise awareness, earning $2 million annually from social media.
Peter Redweik's severe illness after treatment for cryptococcal meningitis was caused by an autoimmune inflammatory response to dead fungus particles, not a recurrence of infection. Advanced diagnostics at the NIH helped identify this condition, leading to effective steroid treatment and recovery, despite lasting impairments.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a prototype lateral flow test for black fungus disease (mucormycosis), which could be ready for hospital use within three years if it passes regulatory checks. The test is quick, accurate, and could significantly improve early diagnosis and treatment, potentially saving lives and reducing disfigurement caused by this deadly infection, especially in immunocompromised patients. The study validating the test involved patients with various fungal infections and was conducted in partnership with a French hospital.
Scientists have discovered that compounds in cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidivarin (CBDV), can effectively kill a dangerous fungus, Cryptococcus neoformans, in laboratory settings and in moth larvae models, suggesting potential for topical treatments for fungal infections in humans.
Celebrity hairstylist Jesus Guerrero, known for working with Kylie Jenner and others, died from pneumonia and a fungal infection likely related to AIDS, which compromised his immune system. His death was announced by his family and mourned by friends including Jenner and the Kardashians.
A deadly fungal infection called Aspergillosis is spreading rapidly across Europe, driven by climate change, and poses a significant health risk, especially to vulnerable populations, with potential to cause widespread fatalities and impact respiratory health.
California and Arizona are experiencing a significant rise in Valley Fever cases, a lung infection caused by the Coccidioides fungus, with California reporting a 46% increase and Arizona an 11% increase in 2024. The disease, which is not transmissible between humans, can lead to severe lung problems and even fatal complications in some cases. Efforts to develop a human vaccine are underway, with the University of Arizona Valley Fever Center for Excellence receiving $33 million in funding, following successful development of a canine vaccine.
A 30-year-old man in Phoenix, Arizona, experienced severe health complications after injecting a tea made from psilocybin-containing "magic mushrooms" into his bloodstream. This unusual method of administration led to a fungal and bacterial infection, causing multisystem organ failure and acute respiratory syndrome. The patient was treated with antibiotics and antifungal drugs and placed on a ventilator. This case underscores the dangers of using psychedelics in non-prescribed ways, particularly through injection, as the man attempted to self-medicate for bipolar disorder and opioid dependence.
Scientists in China have discovered a new drug-resistant fungal pathogen, Rhodosporidiobolus fluvialis, in clinical samples from two patients. The fungus, which thrives at human body temperature, evolved to become more virulent and drug-resistant, raising concerns about the impact of global warming on the emergence of new fungal pathogens. However, experts caution against viewing it as a major threat due to limited evidence of widespread infection.
Health officials in New York City have reported the first U.S. case of a rare sexually transmitted ringworm, trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII), in a man who had traveled to England, Greece, and California. The infection, which causes a red, itchy rash similar to eczema, took over four months to clear with antifungal treatments. While the public is advised not to be alarmed, doctors are encouraged to ask patients about genital rashes, especially those who are sexually active and have traveled recently.