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An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract
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The fungus among us: Emerging and re-emerging fungal infections

Jonathan Huang1, Nora Oliver2, Lucy S Witt1

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.

The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|October 24, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Fungal infections are increasing globally, with rising antifungal resistance and new resistant species like Candida auris emerging. Addressing this requires better understanding, patient protection, and new antifungal treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • The global incidence of fungal diseases and antifungal resistance is rising due to evolving host factors and pathogen dynamics.
  • Increasing rates of invasive disease are observed with Candida species, including the emergence of resistant strains like Candida auris.
  • Novel resistant fungal species and expanding endemic mycoses pose significant threats, particularly to immunocompromised individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the evolving landscape of fungal infections.
  • To underscore the growing challenge of antifungal resistance.
  • To emphasize the need for novel antifungal strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current epidemiological trends in fungal infections.
  • Analysis of emerging resistant fungal species and their clinical impact.
  • Assessment of geographic expansion of endemic mycoses.

Main Results:

  • Candida species, including Candida auris, show increasing invasive disease and resistance.
  • Novel resistant species are causing recalcitrant infections, alongside expanding endemic mycoses.
  • Resistant mold infections are increasingly affecting immunocompromised populations.

Conclusions:

  • Fungal infections represent a major global health challenge with increasing morbidity and mortality.
  • Urgent need for enhanced understanding of fungal epidemiology.
  • Development of novel antifungal agents and improved patient protection strategies are critical.
Keywords:
CandidaDermatophytesEndemic mycosesFungal infectionsMolds

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