Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 2, 2025

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

14.1K

Emerging Issues in Antifungal Resistance

John R Perfect1, Mahmoud Ghannoum2

  • 1Trent Drive, Hanes House, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.

Infectious Disease Clinics of North America
|November 2, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Antifungal drug resistance is a growing threat in invasive fungal diseases, particularly in immunocompromised patients. New strategies are crucial to combat resistant molds and yeasts like Candida auris and Aspergillus fumigatus.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) cause significant mortality, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
  • While newer antifungal drugs exist, primary and secondary drug resistance in yeasts and molds is increasingly prevalent.
  • Emerging resistant strains, such as multidrug-resistant Candida auris and azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus, pose serious clinical challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the critical issue of antifungal drug resistance in IFDs.
  • To emphasize the need for understanding and addressing resistance mechanisms.
  • To underscore the importance of developing novel strategies and agents for prevention and treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current antifungal drug resistance trends.
  • Analysis of emerging resistant fungal pathogens.
  • Discussion of clinical implications and future research directions.

Main Results:

  • Antifungal drug resistance is a widespread and escalating problem in clinical mycology.
  • Specific examples like Candida auris and Aspergillus fumigatus demonstrate the threat of multidrug resistance.
  • The efficacy of existing antifungal therapies is compromised by evolving resistance patterns.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding antifungal drug resistance is paramount for effective IFD management.
  • New therapeutic strategies and antifungal agents are urgently required.
  • Combating drug resistance is essential to reduce mortality in immunocompromised populations.
Keywords:
Antifungal agentsDrug resistanceFungiInvasive fungal disease

More Related Videos

Isolation of Culturable Yeasts and Molds from Soils to Investigate Fungal Population Structure10:33

Isolation of Culturable Yeasts and Molds from Soils to Investigate Fungal Population Structure

Published on: May 27, 2022

6.4K
Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis08:48

Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis

Published on: March 19, 2019

7.3K

Related Concept Videos

Development of Antibiotic Resistance01:30

Development of Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern that arises when bacteria evolve mechanisms to withstand the effects of antibiotic treatments. This resistance can be intrinsic, acquired through genetic mutations, or transferred between bacteria via horizontal gene transfer. The development of antibiotic resistance poses significant challenges in treating bacterial infections and necessitates ongoing research to develop new therapeutic strategies.Intrinsic resistance occurs when bacterial...
853
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
292
Antimicrobial Effectiveness01:28

Antimicrobial Effectiveness

The effectiveness of antimicrobial agents depends on various factors influencing their ability to eliminate microbial populations. Larger microbial populations require more time for complete eradication, emphasizing the importance of population size analysis when evaluating antimicrobial efficacy.Microbial resistance to antimicrobial agents varies significantly. Highly resilient microorganisms include endospores, gram-negative bacteria, and non-enveloped viruses, while prions are exceptionally...
802
Fungal Group Zygomycota01:29

Fungal Group Zygomycota

Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
731
Fungal Phylum Ascomycota01:28

Fungal Phylum Ascomycota

Phylum Ascomycota, a major division within the subkingdom Dikarya, comprises a diverse range of fungal species, including both unicellular yeasts and filamentous molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi thrive in a variety of habitats, from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial environments, playing crucial ecological and economic roles.Morphology and ReproductionThe defining characteristic of Ascomycetes, commonly referred to as sac fungi, is the ascus—a sac-like structure that...
700
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.6K