New antifungal drug shows promise against resistant infections

This week, several studies highlighted progress in the fight against infectious diseases. Topics included a new antifungal antibiotic, HIV treatment options, and hepatitis challenges, among others. A new drug called Mandimycin shows promise against hard-to-treat fungal infections. Researchers led by Zhuo Shang, PhD, discovered that Mandimycin works differently than traditional antifungals. It targets phospholipids in fungal membranes, leading to cell death. Early tests showed it effectively fought resistant fungi like Candida auris and had less kidney toxicity. More research is needed to ensure its safety in humans. A study by the CDC revealed trends in hospital-onset antimicrobial resistance (AMR) from 2012 to 2019. Generally, AMR rates fell before spiking during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some bacteria, like MRSA and VRE, showed stable or decreased resistance, while others increased. The pandemic heightened risk due to more severe patient conditions and weakened infection controls. The study calls for ongoing infection prevention efforts, especially in tough health care times. At the CROI 2025 conference, researchers shared results from a Phase II study on a new HIV treatment called LTZ. This regimen, given every six months, includes lenacapavir, teropavimab, and zinlirvimab. After 26 weeks, 96% of participants maintained viral suppression. The study indicates this long-acting treatment could be a convenient alternative to daily pills. More research is needed to assess long-term effects. A global survey found fear and misconceptions about hepatitis B and C are blocking testing and treatment. Many respondents were uninterested in testing, with over half thinking they weren't at risk. Countries like Morocco and South Africa showed higher reluctance. Despite effective treatments, underdiagnosis remains a major issue, especially in lower-income nations. The World Health Organization warns that chronic hepatitis leads to many deaths each year, stressing the need for more awareness and accessible testing. Finally, the University of Maryland has started enrolling participants for a clinical trial on LASSARAB, a new vaccine for Lassa fever. This experimental vaccine combines an inactivated rabies vaccine with Lassa virus proteins. Early tests showed promising results in animal trials. The study aims to evaluate the vaccine's safety and immune response in healthy adults. Lassa fever is a serious disease found in West Africa that can cause severe health issues.