Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 30, 2026

An Optimized Protocol for Candida albicans Infection in Schmidtea mediterranea to Study Fungal Pathogenesis and Host Defense
06:53

An Optimized Protocol for Candida albicans Infection in Schmidtea mediterranea to Study Fungal Pathogenesis and Host Defense

Published on: April 17, 2026

[Keeping onychomycoses in check]

J E Arrese1, P Quatresooz, C Piérard-Franchimont

  • 1Service de Dermatopathologie, CHU Sart Tilman.

Revue Medicale De Liege
|November 25, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Onychomycosis treatments can be challenging, with pharmaceutical promises sometimes unfulfilled. Recalcitrant or recurrent fungal nail infections may require specialized therapeutic strategies for effective management.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Mycology
  • Pharmacology

Context:

  • Onychomycosis, a common fungal nail infection, presents significant treatment challenges.
  • Patient expectations regarding pharmaceutical treatments for onychomycosis are often unmet.
  • Recalcitrant and recurrent cases necessitate advanced therapeutic approaches.

Purpose:

  • To address the limitations of current onychomycosis treatments.
  • To highlight the unmet needs in fungal nail infection management.
  • To advocate for specialized therapeutic strategies in difficult-to-treat cases.

Summary:

  • Current treatments for onychomycosis (fungal nail infections) may not always meet patient expectations or achieve complete cure.
  • Pharmaceutical promises regarding efficacy are not consistently realized, leading to persistent infections.
  • Specialized therapeutic strategies are crucial for managing recalcitrant or recurrent onychomycosis.

Impact:

  • Improved patient outcomes for difficult-to-treat fungal nail infections.
  • Guidance for clinicians on managing complex onychomycosis cases.
  • Potential for development of more effective onychomycosis therapies.

Related Concept Videos

Antifungal Agents01:15

Antifungal Agents

Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that exploits structural differences between fungal and mammalian cell membranes. Its amphipathic structure—featuring a hydrophobic polyene-lactone ring and a hydrophilic region containing mycosamine and carboxylic acid groups—enables selective binding to ergosterol, a sterol predominantly found in fungal plasma membranes. This selective interaction underlies the drug’s antifungal activity, although weak binding to cholesterol contributes to...
Candidiasis01:20

Candidiasis

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by opportunistic species of Candida. It can affect various anatomical sites, including the skin, oral cavity, nails, and genitourinary tract. Among its forms, vaginal candidiasis is the most common type of mucosal infection. It typically results from the overgrowth of Candida albicans in the vaginal mucosa. Under normal conditions, C. albicans exists as a commensal organism within the vaginal microbiota, regulated by the dominance of lactobacilli, which...
Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Hand hygiene01:23

Hand hygiene

Asepsis is the practice of preventing or breaking the chain of infection. The nurse employs aseptic techniques to prevent the spread of microorganisms and reduce the risk of diseases. Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of aseptic techniques and is classified into medical and surgical asepsis. Medical asepsis includes hand hygiene and the use of gloves. Surgical asepsis, or the sterile technique, refers to practices that render and keep objects and areas free of microorganisms.
Hand washing...
Diabetic Foot Ulcer01:31

Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Definition A diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a chronic, non-healing wound that develops in individuals with diabetes. It typically occurs on pressure-bearing areas such as the heel, metatarsal heads, or hallux, and carries a high risk of infection and amputation.Pathophysiology • The development of DFUs can be explained by four interconnected mechanisms: neuropathy, ischemia, infection, and impaired wound healing. • Neuropathy is the most common factor. Sensory neuropathy reduces pain perception,...
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures01:22

Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures

Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...