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Resistance of human fungal pathogens to antifungal drugs

Dominique Sanglard1

  • 1Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Lausanne, CH-1011, Lausanne, Switzerland. Dominique.Sanglard@chuv.hospvd.ch

Current Opinion in Microbiology
|August 6, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Fungal pathogens develop resistance to antifungal drugs like azoles through mutations and increased drug efflux pumps. Biofilm formation also contributes to antifungal resistance, requiring further research into alternative pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Fungal pathogens can develop resistance to antifungal drugs under various conditions.
  • Significant research focuses on the molecular basis of antifungal drug resistance, particularly to azole antifungals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To understand the molecular mechanisms of antifungal drug resistance in fungal pathogens.
  • To explore the role of gene mutations, multidrug transporters, and biofilm formation in azole resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and analysis of various gene alleles encoding azole targets.
  • Genome-wide studies of azole-resistant isolates to analyze gene expression.
  • Investigation into the role of biofilm formation in antifungal resistance.

Main Results:

  • Distinct mutations in the target gene correlate with azole resistance.
  • Upregulation of multidrug transporter genes contributes to resistance by extruding antifungals.
  • Genome-wide studies provide comprehensive analysis of resistance impact on gene expression.

Conclusions:

  • Antifungal resistance in fungi involves genetic mutations and efflux pump upregulation.
  • Biofilm formation represents a potential alternative pathway for antifungal resistance.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate resistance mechanisms and identify new therapeutic targets.

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