Addressing Microbial Resistance Worldwide: Challenges over Controlling Life-Threatening Fungal Infections

Author(s)

Martins-Santana, Leonardo ; Rezende, Caroline Patini ; Rossi, Antonio ; Martinez-Rossi, Nilce Maria ; Almeida, Fausto

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PATHOGENS; v. 12, n. 2, p. 15-pg., 2023-02-01.

Abstract

Fungal infections are a serious global concern because of their ability to spread and colonize host tissues in immunocompromised individuals. Such infections have been frequently reported worldwide and are currently gaining clinical research relevance owing to their resistant character, representing a bottleneck in treating affected people. Resistant fungi are an emergent public health threat. The upsurge of such pathogens has led to new research toward unraveling the destructive potential evoked by these species. Some fungi-grouped into Candida, Aspergillus, and Cryptococcus-are causative agents of severe and systemic infections. They are associated with high mortality rates and have recently been described as sources of coinfection in COVID-hospitalized patients. Despite the efforts to elucidate the challenges of colonization, dissemination, and infection severity, the immunopathogenesis of fungal diseases remains a pivotal characteristic in fungal burden elimination. The struggle between the host immune system and the physiological strategies of the fungi to maintain cellular viability is complex. In this brief review, we highlight the relevance of drug resistance phenotypes in fungi of clinical significance, taking into consideration their physiopathology and how the scientific community could orchestrate their efforts to avoid fungal infection dissemination and deaths. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/06794-5 - Fungal extracellular vesicles: immunomodulation and cellular communication
• Grantee: Fausto Bruno dos Reis Almeida
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants - Phase 2
• FAPESP's process: 19/22596-9 - Molecular mechanisms associated with pathogenicity and resistance in fungi: strategies for treating dermatophytosis
• Grantee: Nilce Maria Martinez-Rossi
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/10255-2 - Transcription factors and cell signaling pathways in pathogenicity and modulation of immune response
• Grantee: Leonardo Martins Santana
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 20/03215-1 - Identification and characterization of fungal extracellular vesicles in patients with Candidiasis, Cryptococcosis and Paracoccidioidomycosis
• Grantee: Caroline Patini de Rezende
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate