As fungal infections progress and become resistant to treatment drugs, some researchers call it a “silent epidemic” that must be treated immediately.

Norman van Rijn, a molecular biologist at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom, says the threat of fungal pathogens and antifungal drugs has been overlooked in global health discussions. Science warns that without urgent action and attention, some serious fungal infections can affect 6.5 million people and kill 3.8 million people every year.

Biologists have joined an international group of scientists calling on governments, the research community and the pharmaceutical industry to “just focus on bacteria”. The researchers warned in the journal Science. If left untreated, the fungal infection can turn fatal, he said.

“The excessive focus on bacteria is worrisome because many of the drug resistance problems that have emerged over the past few decades are caused by invasive fungal diseases that are not recognized by society and governments,” said Norman Said Norman van Rijn of the China Institute.

Netherlands, Austria, Australia, Spain, UK, Brazil, USA, India, Turkey, Uganda Fungal infections are particularly dangerous, especially Cojima fumigatus and Candida, which cause yeast infections. Risk of bacterial infection.

Scientists say that fungi are more complex organisms than bacteria and viruses, which makes it difficult and expensive to develop drugs that kill fungal cells without harming other vital cells in the body. Currently there are only four types of antifungal drugs and resistance is increasing.

“Only four systemic antifungal agents are available for the treatment of deep or invasive fungal infections, and prophylaxis is the rule rather than the exception in the currently available categories,” the researchers said.

Sources https://www.ndtv.com/science/deadly-fungal-infections-are-evolving-and-causing-silent-pandemic-scientists-warn-6639843/amp/1

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