Fungal Infections on the Rise: Antifungal Overuse and Climate Change Drive Crisis

fungalPhoto byNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesonUnsplash

The rise of life-threatening fungal infections in the United States, particularly Candida auris, has become a major concern with increasing clinical cases and resistance to antifungal treatments. These infections are primarily affecting older hospital patients, with a high fatality rate. The evolution of these dangerous infections is believed to be driven by factors such as the widespread use of antifungal drugs in healthcare and agriculture.

Leading mycologist Nicholas Money suggests that the overuse of antifungal agents in agriculture may be selecting for drug-resistant fungi, making them harder to treat in humans. This theory aligns with previous research on antifungal resistance in Candida species. Moreover, climate change may indirectly impact human health by increasing the dissemination of fungal spores, linked to asthma and allergic reactions.

Money's upcoming book, "Molds, Mushrooms and Medicine: Our Lifelong Relationship With Fungi," delves deeper into these topics. He will further discuss our interaction with fungi at the New Scientist Live event in London in October. Ultimately, addressing the overuse of antifungals in both healthcare and agriculture may be crucial in combating the rise of drug-resistant fungal infections. The emergence of drug-resistant fungal infections like Candida auris underscores the urgent need for a multifaceted approach to combat this growing health threat. By shining a light on the interconnected factors driving the rise of these infections, Money's work provides a critical framework for understanding the complex relationship between humans and fungi. Through his upcoming book and speaking engagements, Money seeks to raise public awareness about the implications of our interactions with fungi, advocating for more sustainable practices in healthcare and agriculture to curb the escalating crisis of antimicrobial resistance in fungal pathogens. Efforts to reduce the overuse of antifungal agents, coupled with enhanced surveillance and research on fungal ecology and evolution, can pave the way for improved strategies to protect public health against the evolving threat of deadly fungal infections.

Source:

https://www.newsweek.com/us-rise-deadly-fungal-infections-food-supply-farming-candida-1958512