Investigating the role of non-antibiotic pollutants on antifungal resistance

• Grant number: 24/09157-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: July 01, 2024
• End date: June 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Arnaldo Lopes Colombo
• Grantee: Karoline Kristina Kemmerich
• 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.; calcineurin inhibitors) and heavy metals may induce cell stress in fungal pathogens. Cell stress leads to modification of gene expression and facilitate the emergence of clones that are prone to develop antifungal 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, especially their relationship with Candida auris. Therefore, evaluating the modulation of the C. auris response by combining different factors such as antimicrobial resistance and heavy metals can have an impact on understanding its evolution until it reaches the hospital environment as a pathogen.