Aquatic yeasts: diversity, characteristics and potential health implications

Area of Science:

• Environmental microbiology
• Medical mycology
• Water quality assessment

Background:

• Growing interest in aquatic yeasts due to their pathogenic potential and antifungal resistance.
• Current water quality standards primarily use bacteria, potentially overlooking risks from environmental yeasts.
• Limited research exists on the characteristics and health implications of yeasts in aquatic environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current literature on aquatic yeasts, focusing on their diversity, pathogenicity, and antifungal resistance.
• To highlight the need for including yeasts in water quality assessments.
• To discuss the public health implications, particularly in regions with high HIV prevalence.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on aquatic yeasts.
• Analysis of yeast species isolated from aquatic environments.
• Examination of reported pathogenic and antifungal resistance features.

Main Results:

• Aquatic yeasts include known pathogens with antifungal resistance.
• Antifungal resistance in yeasts poses a significant public health concern, especially for immunocompromised individuals.
• Aquatic yeasts are often linked to water pollution, but their role in water quality assessment is underutilized.

Conclusions:

• Environmental yeasts represent a potential health risk and require further investigation.
• Incorporating yeasts into water quality monitoring could enhance public health protection.
• Addressing antifungal resistance in aquatic yeasts is crucial, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.