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Broth Microdilution In Vitro Screening: An Easy and Fast Method to Detect New Antifungal Compounds
Published on: February 14, 2018
Innovation in antifungal therapy
Sarah Dellière1,2, Nicolas Papon3
1Université Paris Cité, AP-HP, Parasitology-Mycology Department, Groupe Hospitalier Saint-Louis-Lariboisière-Fernand-Widal, Paris, France. sarah.delliere@aphp.fr.
Abstract:
With a steady increase in the number of at-risk patients, invasive fungal infections now represent a significant public health problem. These infections, caused by major pathogens such as Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, and Pneumocystis, affect increasingly diverse patient profiles, primarily immunocompromised individuals, with mortality rates often exceeding 50%. Managing these patients remains challenging, as very few systemic antifungals are currently available, compounded by major resistance issues related to the overuse and misuse of these drugs in clinical practice and agriculture. Fortunately, the field of medical mycology has benefited in recent years from major advances in pathogen-directed therapies, including new compounds, repurposing, new formulations, and the identification of new specific fungal targets. Although most immunomodulatory strategies are far from being implemented in clinical practice, recent breakthroughs in translational research have provided unprecedented hope in developing host-directed approaches leveraging cellular aspects and humoral mediators of immunopathogenesis.
Insights
Invasive fungal infections are a growing public health concern, especially for immunocompromised patients. Advances in antifungal therapies offer new hope for managing these challenging infections and combating drug resistance.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) pose a significant public health threat, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- High mortality rates (often >50%) and limited systemic antifungal options complicate patient management.
- Emerging antifungal resistance due to overuse/misuse in clinical and agricultural settings exacerbates the challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in antifungal therapies for invasive fungal infections.
- To highlight progress in both pathogen-directed and host-directed treatment strategies.
- To underscore the need for novel approaches to combat rising IFIs and resistance.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on medical mycology and antifungal drug development.
- Analysis of pathogen-directed therapies including new compounds, drug repurposing, and novel targets.
- Exploration of emerging host-directed immunomodulatory strategies.
Main Results:
- Significant advancements in identifying new antifungal compounds and drug targets.
- Development of new formulations and repurposing of existing drugs show promise.
- Emerging host-directed therapies leveraging immune responses offer new avenues for treatment.
Conclusions:
- Despite challenges, recent breakthroughs in medical mycology provide hope for improved management of invasive fungal infections.
- A combination of advanced pathogen-directed and novel host-directed strategies is crucial.
- Continued research is essential to overcome antifungal resistance and reduce IFI-related mortality.
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