Madrid, Sep 13 (EFE).- Scientists from several countries have warned of the threat to humanity posed by diseases caused by fungi and the importance of promoting the study of this problem, since many of the pathogens are already resistant to drugs.
Most of the fungal pathogens identified as priority by the World Health Organization (WHO), which are linked to around 3.8 million deaths a year worldwide, are already resistant to antibiotics or are acquiring such resistance.
To warn of the seriousness of the threat and the importance of speeding up the study, an international team of researchers from eleven countries has published a letter today in the scientific journal The Lancet in which they call for more attention and more resources to combat resistance to treatments in pathologies caused by fungi.
The article was co-authored by Norman van Rhijn, a researcher at the University of Manchester, and by Professor Ferry Hagen, from the Westerdijk Institute in the Netherlands, and was co-authored by eleven scientists from Spain, the United Kingdom, Austria, Turkey, Australia, Uganda, India, the United States, Brazil, South Africa and China.
Among the signatories is Ana Alastruey, a Spanish researcher at the National Centre for Microbiology (CNM) of the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), who coordinated a WHO report on fungal pathogens that represent an infectious risk to public health, the centre reported in a note released today.
As the researchers explain in their article, most of the fungal pathogens identified as priority by the World Health Organization (WHO), responsible for around 3.8 million deaths a year worldwide, are already resistant or are rapidly acquiring resistance to antifungal drugs.
They argue that the current approach, which focuses primarily on bacteria, is not sufficient to fully combat antimicrobial resistance, and point out that, unlike bacteria, the similarities between fungal and human cells make it difficult to find treatments that selectively inhibit fungi without causing toxicity in patients.
Ana Alastruey stressed in the note released today by the ISCIII that “resistance is more the rule than the exception in the four classes of antifungals available to treat fungal infections, which makes the treatment of many invasive fungal infections difficult, or even impossible.”
Fungicide-resistant infections include those such as Aspergillus, Candida or Trichophyton indotineae, any of which can have very significant impacts on the health of elderly or vulnerable patients.
In the text, the signatories recommend a global agreement to restrict the use of certain classes of antifungal molecules for specific applications; greater collaboration on solutions and regulations that ensure food safety and universal health for animals, plants and humans; and the inclusion of antifungal resistance in the UN meeting on antimicrobial resistance taking place this month.
Researchers have found that despite the enormous challenges in developing drugs against fungal infections, several promising new agents, including entirely new classes of molecules, have entered clinical trials in recent years.
But they have observed that even before they reach the market after years of development, the agrochemical industry has already developed fungicides with similar modes of action, causing cross-resistances that send scientists back to square one.
Many essential crops are affected by fungi, so antifungal protection is necessary for food safety, but researchers writing in The Lancet warn of the high price this entails for public health.
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2024-09-13 22:11:31
What are the potential consequences of antibiotic-resistant fungal infections on global health?
Table of Contents
The Fungal Threat: Scientists Warn of Antibiotic-Resistant Diseases and Call for Urgent Action
As the world grapples with the looming threat of antimicrobial resistance, a team of international scientists has sounded the alarm on a lesser-known but equally pressing issue: diseases caused by fungi. In a letter published in the esteemed scientific journal, The Lancet, researchers from eleven countries have warned that fungal pathogens, responsible for approximately 3.8 million deaths annually worldwide, are rapidly acquiring resistance to antifungal drugs.
The Gravity of the Situation
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified several fungal pathogens as priority threats to human health, but a staggering number of these pathogens are already resistant to antibiotics or are rapidly developing resistance. This is a particularly concerning issue, as fungal infections can have devastating consequences, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.
The Challenge of Fungal Infections
Unlike bacterial infections, fungal infections pose a unique challenge. The similarities between fungal and human cells make it difficult to develop treatments that selectively inhibit fungi without causing toxicity in patients. This has led to a dearth of effective antifungal treatments, leaving healthcare professionals with limited options to combat these infections.
The Consequences of Inaction
If left unchecked, the spread of antibiotic-resistant fungal infections could have catastrophic consequences. Infections such as Aspergillus, Candida, and Trichophyton indotineae can have serious impacts on health, particularly among vulnerable populations. The lack of effective treatments for these infections could lead to a significant increase in morbidity and mortality rates.
A Call to Action
The researchers behind the letter are urging governments, healthcare organizations, and the scientific community to take immediate action to address the threat posed by fungal infections. They recommend:
- Global agreement to restrict the use of certain antifungal molecules to prevent the further spread of resistance.
- Greater collaboration on solutions and regulations to ensure food safety and universal health for animals, plants, and humans.
- Inclusion of antifungal resistance in the UN meeting on antimicrobial resistance, taking place this month.
New Hope on the Horizon
Despite the challenges, researchers are making progress in developing new treatments for fungal infections. Several promising new agents, including entirely new classes of molecules, have entered clinical trials in recent years. However, more research and investment are needed to combat the growing threat of fungal infections.
Conclusion
The threat posed by antibiotic-resistant fungal infections is real and growing. It is imperative that we take immediate action to address this issue, investing in research, developing new treatments, and implementing global solutions to combat the spread of resistance. The consequences of inaction could be devastating, but with concerted effort, we can mitigate the impact of fungal infections and protect human health.
Keywords: fungal infections, antibiotic resistance, antimicrobial resistance, World Health Organization, WHO, The Lancet, antifungal drugs, Aspergillus, Candida, Trichophyton indotineae, public health.
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What are the key factors contributing to the rise of antifungal resistance globally?
The Silent Killer: Fungal Diseases Pose a Significant Threat to Humanity
A recent warning from an international team of scientists highlights the need for increased attention and resources to combat the growing threat of fungal diseases. These infections, which are often resistant to treatment, are responsible for approximately 3.8 million deaths worldwide each year. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified fungal pathogens as a priority, but many of these pathogens have already developed resistance to antifungal drugs, making treatment difficult or impossible.
The Resistance Epidemic
Fungal pathogens, such as Aspergillus, Candida, and Trichophyton indotineae, can have devastating effects on elderly or vulnerable patients. The resistance to antifungal drugs is becoming the norm, with four classes of antifungals available, but resistance is widespread. This makes it challenging to develop effective treatments that can selectively inhibit fungi without causing toxicity in patients.
The Consequences of Inaction
If left unchecked, the growing resistance to antifungal drugs will have severe consequences for public health. Fungal infections can lead to life-threatening diseases, such as aspergillosis, candidiasis, and histoplasmosis, among others. The lack of effective treatments will results in increased mortality rates, healthcare costs, and a significant burden on the global economy.
The Need for Global Cooperation
To combat this growing threat, scientists are calling for a global agreement to restrict the use of certain classes of antifungal molecules for specific applications. This includes greater collaboration on solutions and regulations that ensure food safety and universal health for animals, plants, and humans. The inclusion of antifungal resistance in the UN meeting on antimicrobial resistance is also a crucial step in addressing this issue.
New Hope on the Horizon
Despite the challenges, researchers have identified promising new agents, including entirely new classes of molecules, that have entered clinical trials in recent years. However, the development of these treatments is threatened by the agrochemical industry’s use of similar modes of action, leading to cross-resistances.
The Agrochemical Industry’s Role
The use of antifungal protection in agriculture is necessary for food safety, but it comes at a high cost to public health. The development of fungicides with similar modes of action as antifungal drugs is accelerating the growth of resistance, making it essential to find alternative solutions that do not compromise human health.
A Call to Action
The global community must take immediate action to address the growing threat of fungal diseases. This includes:
- Increased funding for research and development of new antifungal treatments.
- Global cooperation to restrict the use of certain classes of antifungal molecules.
- Inclusion of antifungal resistance in the UN meeting on antimicrobial resistance.
- Development of alternative solutions to antifungal protection in agriculture.
Conclusion
Fungal diseases pose a significant threat to humanity, and it is essential that we take immediate action to address this issue. By working together, we can develop effective treatments, restrict the use of antifungal molecules, and find alternative solutions to ensure food safety and public health.
Keywords: fungal diseases, antifungal resistance, global health, public health, WHO, antimicrobial resistance, agriculture, food safety.
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