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
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What are they?
Fungi include both yeasts and moulds. Thousands exist and few infect humans. Of those that do, some invade the skin causing mild infections such as athlete's foot. Yeasts, such as Candida, cause thrush. Other fungi can cause life-threatening systemic infections in patients whose immune system has been weakened either by diseases such as AIDS or by anti-cancer therapy. -
Who gets them?
Anyone can pick up minor fungal infections of the skin or nails. However, the hidden killers are invasive fungal infections picked up in hospitals. These have doubled in the past 15 years, reflecting the increased use of immunosuppressant therapy in cancer and transplantation. -
What can be done about them?
Currently, a group of substances called azoles are used. They work by blocking the formation of ergosterol, a key component of fungal cell membranes. However, as with bacteria, resistant strains are becoming an increasing problem. Other substances are also used, as is an antifungal that inhibits another step in the production of ergosterol. -
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.