Good antimicrobial stewardship needs to extend beyond antibiotics

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Global Health Security
• Mycology

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health threat, complicating infection treatment and increasing mortality.
• Current policy focus on antibiotic resistance overlooks the escalating challenge of invasive fungal diseases.
• Invasive fungal infections are increasing globally, exacerbated by limited diagnostics and a scarcity of new antifungal treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the urgent and often underestimated threat posed by invasive fungal diseases.
• To underscore the growing issue of antifungal resistance.
• To advocate for increased attention and resources towards combating fungal infections.

Main Methods:

• This article is a discussion and review of current literature and public health data.
• Analysis of trends in invasive fungal disease incidence and antifungal resistance patterns.
• Examination of the current landscape of diagnostics and therapeutics for fungal infections.

Main Results:

• Invasive fungal diseases are on the rise globally.
• Antifungal resistance is a growing concern, mirroring trends in antibiotic resistance.
• There is a significant gap in diagnostic tools and new treatment development for fungal pathogens.

Conclusions:

• The escalating threat of invasive fungal diseases and antifungal resistance requires immediate global attention.
• Policy and research efforts must expand beyond bacterial infections to adequately address fungal threats.
• Investment in novel diagnostics and antifungal therapies is crucial to mitigate rising morbidity and mortality.