Why scientists are nervous about fungi
6 hours ago
- #Drug-Resistant Fungi
- #Antifungal Resistance
- #Global Health Challenge
- Growing resistance of bacteria and viruses to drugs is a recognized problem, but drug-resistant fungi are an under-discussed medical challenge with a 'silence surge.'
- Drug-resistant fungi are especially problematic in lower-income countries due to lack of strict infection control, diagnostics, and follow-up, leading to undetected deaths.
- The use of fungicides in agriculture contributes to drug resistance in human fungi, as fungicides are similar to antifungal drugs, causing cross-resistance through airborne spores.
- Fungal infections range from severe, life-threatening cases in immunocompromised patients to non-lethal skin, hair, and nail infections, with resistance increasing in both categories.
- Developing new antifungals is difficult because fungal cells are structurally similar to human cells, limiting drug options; only five classes have been developed in 75 years.
- Solutions include global collaboration, reducing unnecessary fungicide use, assessing new fungicides for cross-resistance risks, and improving basic tools, surveillance, and funding.