Doenças Infecciosas Clínicas: Acesso Aberto

Antifungal Resistance in Invasive Fungal Diseases: A Growing Threat

Abstract

Max Talita

Antifungal resistance is an increasingly concerning issue that threatens effective treatment of fungal infections. While much attention has been given to antibiotic resistance, the emergence of resistance in fungal pathogens has garnered significant attention in recent years. This article explores the concept of antifungal resistance, its causes, implications and the urgent need for concerted efforts to address this growing challenge. Antifungal resistance refers to the ability of fungi to withstand the effects of antifungal medications, rendering them ineffective in treating fungal infections. Fungi can develop resistance through various mechanisms, including genetic mutations, upregulation of drug efflux pumps, alteration of drug targets and the acquisition of resistance genes. This resilience can occur in different types of fungi, such as Candida, Aspergillus, Cryptococcus and other clinically significant species.