In the HBO series ‘The Last of Us,’ the parasitic fungus cordyeps mutates, and jumps from insects to humans and quickly spreads around the world, rendering its victims helpless to control their thoughts and actions.
(HBO)
While ‘The Last of Us’ is a dramatic projection of a deadly fungal outbreak, it is based, if not in reality, in logic. And it’s a reminder that fungal infections are growing more resistant.
Husna Ismail, National Institute for Communicable Diseases and Olga Perovic, National Institute for Communicable Diseases
In hospitals, infection prevention and control cannot be met without a hygienically clean, and safe environment that has an adequate supply of clean running water.
Antibiotics are for bacterial infections – they shouldn’t be prescribed to treat viruses.
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Through the choice of images in publications, women and children of colour in low and middle income countries were treated with less dignity and respect than those in high income countries.
With the dual threats of antibiotic resistance and emerging pandemics, finding new drugs becomes even more urgent. A trove of medicines may be lying under our nose.
Antimicrobial resistance disproportionately affects the world’s poorest and most vulnerable populations in low- and middle-income countries.
Canadian doctors don’t have easy access to newer antibiotics, and must prescribe older, generic treatments that are increasingly ineffective due to resistance.
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Penicillin originally came from a fungus, and with thousands of fungi to explore, Aotearoa New Zealand has a potential treasure trove of bacteria-killing compounds.
With nurse prescribing expanding globally, it’s important they are properly guided and supported when it comes to antibiotics and managing patient expectations.
Multidrug-resistant Candida auris can cause serious infections among patients in hospitals and other group medical care settings.
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During a raging pandemic it is obviously worthwhile to use hand sanitisers, particularly when we are unable to wash our hands. But we should minimise their use when cases drop.
The overuse of sub-standard disinfectants could fuel resistance.
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Honorary Professor Faculty of Health and Medical Science, Univeristy of Sydney; Senior Researcher Sydney Institue for Infectious Disease, University of Sydney., University of Sydney