Antifungal resistance mechanisms in dermatophytes

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Whole Genome Sequencing of Candida glabrata for Detection of Markers of Antifungal Drug Resistance
08:45

Whole Genome Sequencing of Candida glabrata for Detection of Markers of Antifungal Drug Resistance

Published on: December 28, 2017

Nilce M Martinez-Rossi1, Nalu T A Peres, Antonio Rossi

  • 1Departamento de Genética, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, 14049-900 Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil. nmmrossi@usp.br

Mycopathologia
|May 15, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Drug resistance in pathogenic fungi is increasing due to compromised immune systems. This review covers molecular mechanisms, like ABC transporters, that enable dermatophytes to resist antifungals such as terbinafine.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Severe systemic fungal infections are rising, primarily in immunocompromised patients.
  • Drug resistance in pathogenic fungi, particularly dermatophytes, is a growing concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular mechanisms of dermatophyte resistance to antifungals and cytotoxic drugs.
  • To highlight resistance strategies against terbinafine and host survival mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of molecular aspects of fungal drug resistance.
  • Analysis of gene expression, target enzyme modification, and transporter roles.

Main Results:

  • Dermatophytes employ mechanisms like target enzyme modification and over-expression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters.
  • These mechanisms contribute to resistance against terbinafine and facilitate survival within the host.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding molecular resistance mechanisms is crucial for developing new antifungal drugs.
  • Modifying existing drugs or identifying novel molecular targets can combat fungal resistance.

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