The world is facing an antibiotic resistance crisis that kills about 5 million people every year. But the problem is not limited to bacteria. Fungal infections also evolve and become resistant to treatment, creating what some researchers call a “silent epidemic.

“According to Norman van Rijn, a molecular biologist at the University of Manchester, fungal infections and antifungals are often overlooked in global health discussions. “The threat of fungal pathogens and fungicide resistance is an undeniably growing global problem,” he explains.

In September, the United Nations will host a conference in New York to discuss antimicrobial resistance. The conference will focus on drug-adapted bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. Norman van Rijn joins an international group of scientists urging governments, researchers and the pharmaceutical industry to expand their focus beyond bacteria.

Commenting on the Lancet study, van Rijn and colleagues emphasize that fungal infections should not be ignored in the fight against antibiotics.

A yeast infection can become more serious if not treated quickly. The infection currently affects 6.5 million people and kills 3.8 million people annually. Fungal infections, such as Aspergillus fumigatus, which infect the lungs and cause candida (yeast infections), are particularly dangerous.

Older people are at risk for weakened immune systems. The World Health Organization has classified this and other fungal pathogens as a global health priority.”Many people agree that bacterial infections are a big part of the problem of antibiotic resistance, but over the past few decades, most of the resistance problems have also been caused by invasive fungal diseases that scientists, governments, doctors, etc., did not recognize,” said Dr. Van Rijn, “They are developing fungicides.

Which, despite the growing global problems, has eliminated threats to nature conservation.”Currently, there are only four antifungal drugs and resistance is increasing.Van Rijn’s team is concerned that agricultural practices are exacerbating the problem. Antifungal drugs used in agriculture can lead to resistance to the fungus that infects humans.

They note that the world needs to strike a balance between protecting crops and treating fungal diseases. The upcoming UN conference is an important moment to launch a global approach to combating antimicrobials, including fungi. “Bacteria should not be left behind,” the researchers said.

Sources https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/health/story/scientists-warn-silent-pandemic-deadly-fungal-infections-2604864-2024-09-23

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/cdc-fungal-infection-candida-auris-alarming-spread-rcna75477