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Whole Genome Sequencing of Candida glabrata for Detection of Markers of Antifungal Drug Resistance
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New pathogens, new tricks: emerging, drug-resistant fungal pathogens and future prospects for antifungal therapeutics

Jennifer Geddes-McAlister1,2, Rebecca S Shapiro1

  • 1Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|May 16, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Drug-resistant fungal pathogens pose a growing public health threat. Novel strategies are urgently needed for rapid identification and treatment of these emerging infections.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Fungal infections are increasing due to rising rates of human immunodeficiency.
  • Antifungal agent use promotes the emergence of drug-resistant fungal pathogens.
  • Rare and unidentified fungal species, including Candida, Cryptococcus, and molds, are becoming significant threats.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the growing threat of drug-resistant fungal pathogens.
  • To emphasize the need for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
  • To address the challenges posed by emerging fungal species.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on emerging fungal pathogens and drug resistance.
  • Analysis of trends in fungal infections and antifungal use.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge on identification and treatment strategies.

Main Results:

  • Significant increase in prevalence of fungal infections.
  • Emergence of drug-resistant strains of Candida, Cryptococcus, and molds.
  • Identification of previously rare fungal species as significant pathogens.

Conclusions:

  • Drug-resistant fungal pathogens represent a critical public health concern.
  • Novel, rapid methods for identification and treatment are essential.
  • Continued research is vital to combat life-threatening fungal infections.
Keywords:
antifungal drug resistanceemerging pathogensfungal pathogens

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