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Medically important fungi respond to azole drugs: an update

Martin Zavrel1, Theodore C White1

  • 1University of Missouri-Kansas City, School of Biological Sciences, Division of Cell Biology & Biophysics, 5007 Rockhill Road, BSB 404, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA.

Future Microbiology
|August 4, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Rising fungal infections in immunocompromised patients necessitate new antifungal strategies. Understanding azole resistance mechanisms, like target mutation and drug efflux, is key to developing effective treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Antimicrobial Resistance
  • Drug Development

Background:

  • Increased incidence of life-threatening fungal infections in immunocompromised patients over the past 30 years.
  • Development of numerous antifungal drugs in the last 20 years, with azoles being the largest class.
  • Azoles inhibit fungal sterol synthesis, leading to fungistatic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms of acquired azole resistance in fungi.
  • To highlight the importance of understanding these mechanisms for current and future antifungal therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of antifungal drug development and resistance mechanisms.
  • Analysis of common and less frequent mechanisms of azole resistance.
  • Focus on target enzyme alterations and drug efflux pumps.

Main Results:

  • Acquired azole resistance is a significant clinical challenge.
  • Common resistance mechanisms include target enzyme overexpression/mutation and enhanced drug efflux.
  • Less frequent resistance mechanisms have also been identified.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding azole resistance is crucial for effective antifungal treatment.
  • Knowledge of resistance mechanisms informs the development of novel antifungal strategies.
  • Continued research is needed to combat emerging drug resistance.
Keywords:
Candida albicansantifungalsazole resistanceazolesdrug resistance

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