Scientists Warn of Silent Pandemic As Deadly Fungal Infections Evolve

Fungal infections are evolving and developing resistance to current treatments, prompting researchers to label the situation as a “silent pandemic” that requires immediate attention. 

A Growing Threat Neglected In Global Health Discussions

Norman van Rhijn, a molecular biologist from the University of Manchester, UK, highlighted that the threat posed by fungal pathogens and antifungal resistance is being neglected in global health discussions. He warned that without prompt action, dangerous fungal infections, which already affect 6.5 million people annually and result in 3.8 million deaths, could become an even greater threat, according to Science Alert.

The biologist, along with a global team of scientists, is calling on governments, research communities, and the pharmaceutical industry to “look beyond just bacteria.” According to the researchers, fungal infections are frequently overlooked in efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance. 

“The disproportionate focus on bacteria is concerning because many drug resistance problems over the past decades were the result of invasive fungal diseases, which are largely under-recognized by the community and governments alike,” Norman van Rhijn and his colleagues, who hail from institutions in China, the Netherlands, Austria, Australia, Spain, the UK, Brazil, the US, India, Turkiye, and Uganda, said.

Fungal diseases like Aspergillus fumigatus, which targets the lungs, and Candida, responsible for yeast infections, are regarded as the most dangerous. According to the outlet, individuals with weakened immune systems and older adults are at the greatest risk of these infections.

“Only Four Systemic Antifungal Classes Are Available”

Scientists have explained that fungi are more complex organisms compared to bacteria and viruses, making it more difficult and costly to develop treatments that can target fungal cells without harming other vital cells in the body. At present, there are only four classes of antifungal drugs, and resistance to these medications is on the rise.

“To treat deep or invasive fungal infections, only four systemic antifungal classes are available and resistance is now the rule rather than the exception for those currently available classes,” the researchers wrote.

The team expressed concern that agricultural practices are contributing to the rise in antifungal resistance. They explained that fungicides used in farming can lead to cross-resistance in fungi that also infect humans. They emphasized the need for a balance between safeguarding crops and effectively treating fungal infections.

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