Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2025 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
An estimated 25,000 Americans develop severe fungal infections each year, leading to 10,000 deaths despite the use of antifungal drugs. The associated cost to the U.S. health care system has been estimated at $1 billion a year.
[ WELLNESS WEDNESDAY ]
Now two Syracuse University scientists have developed new brominated furanones that exhibit powerful antifungal properties.
The most virulent fungus is Candida albicans, which is carried by about 75% of the public. Typically the fungus is harmless but in individuals with HIV or otherwise compromised immune systems it can cause candidiasis, which has a high mortality rate. The fungi can also form biofilms that attach to surfaces and are up to 1,000 times more resistant to antifungals.
"These new furanones have the potential to control such infections and save lives," says assistant professor Dacheng Ren of the department of biomedical and chemical engineering in SU's L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science. "In our tests, they reduced fungal growth by more than 80%, and we hope to improve on that going forward."
Ren and his collaborator, chemistry professor Yan-Yeung Luk of SU's College of Arts and Sciences, have filed a nonprovisional patent application. They have also published related results in the Journal of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology.
Over the past 20 years pathogenic fungi have developed growing resistance to antifungal drugs. This stimulated a strong demand for more effective drugs and led to the successful research at Syracuse. The researchers' genomic study suggests that furanones have different genetic targets than current antifungal agents and thus may avoid drug resistance acquired in the past. The research team has also shown previously that these furanones inhibit bacterial biofilm formation; thus they may help control chronic infections where biofilms often appear, on surgical, dental, and other implants.
Ongoing furanones research at Syracuse University will investigate a broad spectrum of other potential capabilities, ranging from diverse medical uses, such as controlling bacterial and fungal biofilms, to anti-fungal wood preservatives for the building materials market.
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Why activist Raif Derrazi thinks his HIV diagnosis is a gift
September 17 2024 12:00 PM
Out100 Honoree Tony Valenzuela thanks queer and trans communities for support in his HIV journey
September 18 2024 12:00 PM
How fitness coach Tyriek Taylor reclaims his power from HIV with self-commitment
September 19 2024 12:00 PM
Creator and host Karl Schmid fights HIV stigma with knowledge
September 12 2024 12:03 PM
Ricky Martin delivers showstopping performance for 2024 World AIDS Day
December 05 2024 12:08 PM
California confirms first case of even more deadly mpox strain
November 18 2024 3:02 PM
Eureka is taking a break from competing on 'Drag Race' following 'CVTW' elimination
August 20 2024 12:21 PM
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
Celebrating Black History Month with our annual African American issue
February 01 2025 3:28 PM
Trump's orders prompt CDC to erase HIV resources
January 31 2025 5:29 PM
SFAF's Dr. Tyler TerMeer says he'll continue to fight for health care for all
January 28 2025 3:00 PM
Lexi Love goes public with HIV status after Trump wipes resources from federal website
January 23 2025 11:23 AM
Plus nominated for 2025 GLAAD Media Award alongside industry giants like Vogue, People, and Variety
January 22 2025 12:42 PM
A camp for HIV-positive kids is for sale. Here's why its founder is celebrating
January 02 2025 12:21 PM
This long-term HIV survivor says testosterone therapy helped save his life.
December 16 2024 8:00 PM
'RuPaul's Drag Race' star Trinity K Bonet quietly comes out trans
December 15 2024 6:27 PM
AIDS Memorial Quilt displayed at White House for the first time
December 02 2024 1:21 PM
Decades of progress, uniting to fight HIV/AIDS
December 01 2024 12:30 PM
Hollywood must do better on HIV representation
December 01 2024 9:00 AM
Climate change is disrupting access to HIV treatment
November 25 2024 11:05 AM
Post-election blues? Some advice from mental health experts
November 08 2024 12:36 PM
Check out our 2024 year-end issue!
October 28 2024 2:08 PM
Meet our Health Hero of the Year, Armonté Butler
October 21 2024 12:53 PM
AIDS/LifeCycle is ending after more than 30 years
October 17 2024 12:40 PM
Twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir, an HIV-prevention drug, reduces risk by 96%
October 15 2024 5:03 PM
Kentucky bans conversion therapy for youth as Gov. Andy Beshear signs 'monumental' order
September 18 2024 11:13 AM
Study finds use of puberty blockers safe and reversible, countering anti-trans accusations
September 11 2024 1:11 PM
Latinx health tips / Consejos de salud para latinos (in English & en espanol)
September 10 2024 4:29 PM