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Antimicrobials and resistance part II: Antifungals, antivirals, and antiparasitics

Fiorinda F Muhaj1, Saira J George1, Celine D Nguyen2

  • 1Department of Dermatology, University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas; Department of Dermatology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|February 5, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic resistance is a growing threat, especially for immunocompromised patients. Novel drug development is urgently needed due to limited treatment options and dangerous drug interactions.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology
  • Drug Resistance

Background:

  • Limited drug classes available for fungal infections, often with significant toxicities and drug interactions.
  • Increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant pathogens poses a threat to treating invasive fungal diseases.
  • Antiviral resistance is a challenge, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, risking disease dissemination.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review significant antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral agents.
  • To discuss emerging resistance concerns in these therapeutic areas.
  • To highlight therapeutic agents currently under investigation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic resistance.
  • Analysis of current treatment options and their limitations.
  • Examination of the drug development pipeline for novel therapeutics.

Main Results:

  • Few drug classes available for antifungal treatment, with notable toxicity and interaction issues.
  • Multidrug-resistant pathogens are increasingly problematic in invasive fungal infections.
  • Antimicrobial resistance, particularly antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic, is less prioritized than antibacterial resistance despite its impact.

Conclusions:

  • Urgent need for novel therapeutics to combat rising antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic resistance.
  • Vulnerable and immunocompromised populations are disproportionately affected by resistance.
  • The limited pipeline for these agents necessitates increased attention and research investment.
Keywords:
Candida albicansCandida aurisCandida glabrataTrichophytonacycloviramphotericinantifungal resistanceantifungalsantimonialsantiparasiticantitrematodalantiviralazolescidofovirechinocandinsfoscarnetganciclovirgriseofulvinherpes simplex virusimmunocompromised patientleishmaniasismultidrug resistantterbinafinetrypanosomiasisvaricella-zoster Virus

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