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Whole Genome Sequencing of Candida glabrata for Detection of Markers of Antifungal Drug Resistance
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Molecular bases of antifungal resistance in filamentous fungi

Cheshta Sharma1, Anuradha Chowdhary1

  • 1Department of Medical Mycology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi 110 007, India.

International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents
|July 15, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Antifungal drug resistance in filamentous fungi poses a significant challenge for immunocompromised patients. Understanding resistance mechanisms is crucial for managing invasive mould infections effectively.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Antimicrobial Resistance
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Invasive mould infections caused by filamentous fungi are a major threat to immunocompromised individuals.
  • Limited antifungal drug options and increasing drug resistance complicate treatment and patient outcomes.
  • Multidrug-resistant strains and intrinsically resistant species present significant clinical challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and elucidate the mechanisms of antifungal resistance in filamentous fungi.
  • To highlight the clinical impact of antifungal resistance in both human and plant pathogens.
  • To provide insights into resistance against azoles, polyenes, and echinocandins.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of antifungal resistance mechanisms in filamentous fungi.
  • Analysis of acquired azole resistance mechanisms, including target alteration, overexpression, biofilm formation, and efflux pump upregulation.
  • Discussion of less understood resistance mechanisms for polyenes and echinocandins.

Main Results:

  • Acquired azole resistance involves drug target modification, overexpression, biofilm formation, and efflux pump upregulation.
  • Mechanisms of polyene and echinocandin resistance in filamentous fungi are not fully understood.
  • A broad spectrum of antifungal resistance exists in human and plant pathogenic filamentous fungi.

Conclusions:

  • A deeper understanding of antifungal resistance mechanisms is essential for effective treatment strategies.
  • Further research is needed to clarify resistance pathways for polyenes and echinocandins.
  • Addressing antifungal resistance is critical to improve outcomes for patients with invasive mould infections.
Keywords:
Antifungal resistanceAspergillusFusariumNon-cyp51A resistance mechanismPlant mould pathogenscyp51A substitution

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