Fungal infections can be mild or life-threatening. They can pose a serious risk to people with a compromised immune system. Some infections are becoming resistant to current treatments. New compounds are being developed that are active against a range of fungi, including resistant strains. The aim is to reduce deaths from overwhelming fungal infection.
Disease: Fungal infections
Last update: June 2008
Intro
FAQ: What does the future hold?
New azole compounds are being developed that are active against a range of fungi, including resistant strains. Also being researched is an entirely new class of antifungals that block the production of a major component of the fungal cell wall, killing the fungus rather than just stopping it growing. Recently another class of substances has been identified which block the production of a particular protein.
Just as with antibacterial agents, research needs to continue to overcome the challenge posed by resistance.
Just as with antibacterial agents, research needs to continue to overcome the challenge posed by resistance.