Investigating the role of non-antibiotic pollutants on antifungal resistance

• Grant number: 24/05704-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: May 01, 2024
• End date: April 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Biology and Physiology of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: Arnaldo Lopes Colombo
• Grantee: Juliana Caparroz Gonçale
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/10599-3 - The Antimicrobial Resistance Institute of São Paulo (The Aries Project), AP.CEPID

Abstract

Among the different molecules pollutants found in the wastewater, medications (e.g.; calcineurininhibitors) and heavy metals may induce cell stress in fungal pathogens. Cell stress leads tomodification of gene expression and facilitate the emergence of clones that are prone to developantifungal tolerance and resistance. The characterization of the potential wastewater stressors and further evaluation of its' role for the development of antifungal resistance are still poorly investigated. (AU)