Doctors have noted an increased trend in the occurrence of life-threatening fungal infections - also called mycoses - in immunocompromised patients. In such cases, treatment requires the use of some special compounds with antifungal properties.
Eushearilide, derived from fungi, is already known to be active against a wide range of pathogenic fungi and yeasts, but its antibacterial properties had not been explored. Now, research scientists at Tokyo University have derived a new compound from eushearilide and demonstrated its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
It can be used to treat lung infections, meningitis, and encephalitis. Good news for many patients in hospitals around the world.
The field of medicines derived from fungi is an ever burgeoning one.
