Agrochemical fungicides as environmental drivers of antifungal resistance

Once neglected, the debate on antifungal drug resistance has increased due to the emergence of antifungal resistant strains. Several factors are associated with the increase in resistance rates, and the use of fungicides in agricultural practice is probably an important cause. This review aimed to summarize studies performed with fungicides, which could show the correlation between the use of these agrochemicals and the development of cross-resistance to clinical antifungals in human/animal pathogenic fungi. Also, it is discussed how the use of fungicides in agriculture could induce resistance mechanisms in fungi, focusing on resistance to azoles, succinil dehydrogenase inhibitors, quinone outside inhibitors, β-tubulin assembly inhibitors and multisite fungicides, since they are the most used and efficient fungicides. Several studies suggest a direct correlation between the development of resistance and previous exposure to fungicides. Additionally, in silico analyses were performed to better understand the interaction between these five classes of fungicides and their molecular target in a human pathogen (Candida albicans) and phytopathogenic fungi. Therefore, the indiscriminate use of fungicides in agriculture can lead to the emergence of resistant pathogenic strains, a major public health concern. In this context, the One Health approach is essential to outline strategies to combat antifungal resistance.