Infectious disorders drug targets最新文献

After the eradication of smallpox (SPX), a new zoonotic threat that can trigger outbreaks has emerged. It may be fatal during the COVID19 outbreak. Humanity continues to be threatened due to re-emergence of the outbreaks. In most cases, new emerging viral agents originate from nonhuman hosts with zoonotic origins. Recent outbreaks of zoonotic infectious diseases with the potential to cause epidemics and pandemics continue to pose a major threat to the health security of entire regions, continents, and the world at large. Around five decades backthat Monkeypox (MPX) was reported for the first time in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and was then confined to Central Africa only. Over the time, it has spread to other regions of Africa as well as outside Africa. As of August 2022, 40398 infections have been confirmed in almost 68 countries that have never reported MPX before. The majority of infections have been reported in Europe and Southeast Asia. On 23rd August 2022, MPX was declared a public health emergency of international concern, a step below declaring any disease as a pandemic. The article discusses the recent history of MPX outbreaks, as well as the evolving clinical manifestations of the disease, and the possible causes of the increase in cases, including the cessation of SPX vaccinations.

Mucormycosis is a serious and invasive fungal infection caused by Mucorales fungi. This review article provides a concise overview of the pathogenesis, epidemiology, microbiology, and diagnosis of mucormycosis. The introduction section highlights the key microbiological properties of the pathogen and delves into the underlying mechanisms of mucormycosis pathogenesis, including the invasion and proliferation of the fungus within the host. The description of the disease section focuses on the epidemiology of mucormycosis, including its incidence, risk factors, and geographical distribution. It also explores the specific context of mucormycosis infection about COVID-19 and diabetes mellitus, highlighting the increased susceptibility observed in individuals with these conditions. A case study illustrates the clinical manifestations and challenges associated with mucormycosis, emphasizing the importance of early detection. Additionally, the review discusses the diagnosis of mucormycosis, emphasizing the significance of clinical assessment, radiological imaging, and microbiological tests for accurate and timely detection of the infection. Regarding treatment, the article covers the various therapeutic approaches, including antifungal therapy, surgical interventions, and management of underlying predisposing conditions. The limitations and challenges associated with treatment options are also addressed. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of mucormycosis, equipping healthcare professionals with valuable insights into its pathogenesis, epidemiology, microbiology, and diagnostic strategies. By enhancing knowledge and awareness of this fungal infection, this review can improve patient outcomes through early diagnosis and appropriate management.

Antibiotic resistance is a growing global problem, so there is an urgent need for new antimicrobial agents and strategies. Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) oligomers could be designed and utilized as gene-specific oligonucleotides to target any infectious agents. Selectivity and high-affinity binding are the main properties of PNA. However, in therapeutic applications, intracellular delivery of peptide nucleic acids is still a challenge. In photodynamic therapy (PDT), which could be a useful adjunct to mechanical and antibiotics in removing pathogenic agents, low-power lasers are used in appropriate wavelength for killing the microorganisms that have been treated with a photosensitizer drug. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in combination with lipid-charged nanoparticles of PNA is a promising alternative therapy proposed to control infectious diseases. This review summarizes progress in the uptake of peptide nucleic acids at intracellular targets. In addition, we focus on recent nanoparticle- based strategies to efficiently deliver conventional and chemically modified peptide nucleic acids. The likely impact of using two treatment methods simultaneously, i.e., PNP and PDT, has already been discussed.