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Whole Genome Sequencing of Candida glabrata for Detection of Markers of Antifungal Drug Resistance
Published on: December 28, 2017
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Antifungal persistence: Clinical relevance and mechanisms
Rui Wang1, Jingnan Lv1,2, Liang Chen3
1Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
Plos Pathogens
|September 11, 2025
Summary
Antifungal persistence, a dormant cell state, allows fungi to survive high drug doses, potentially causing treatment failure. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for combating persistent fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antifungal persistence is a survival strategy where a subpopulation of fungal cells endures high antifungal drug concentrations.
- Persisters are phenotypic variants, not mutants, entering a dormant, low-metabolism state, distinct from resistance or tolerance.
- This survival mechanism is linked to therapeutic failure and recurrent fungal infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of antifungal persistence.
- To clarify its definition and differentiate it from resistance and tolerance.
- To explore its detection, mechanisms, and clinical relevance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on antifungal persistence.
- Analysis of studies defining and characterizing fungal persisters.
- Examination of in vivo experiments and clinical data.
Main Results:
- Antifungal persistence is a distinct biological phenomenon characterized by reversible dormancy.
- Molecular mechanisms underlying persister formation are complex and multifactorial.
- Evidence suggests a significant role for antifungal persistence in clinical treatment failures.
Conclusions:
- Antifungal persistence poses a significant challenge in treating fungal infections.
- Further research into persister cell biology is needed to develop targeted therapeutic strategies.
- Understanding and targeting antifungal persistence is critical for improving patient outcomes.
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