Experts warn against rising antifungal resistance infections

Dermatologists have warned that over 150 million cases of infection caused by fungi growing drug-resistant are recorded globally every year with almost 1.7 million fatalities.

They stated that skin contact with microorganisms found in soil or on hard surfaces such as common shower facilities, or exposure to infected pets, can result in fungal infections known as dermatomycoses.

Dermatomycosis is characterised by both superficial and subcutaneous infections of keratinous tissues and mucous membranes caused by a variety of fungal agents, the two most common classes being dermatophytes and yeasts with rashes, itching, burning and skin irritation among the symptoms.

In a recent study published in Pathogens and Immunity, Thomas McCormick and Mahmoud Ghannoum, professors of dermatology at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, explained how rising antifungal resistance is worsening the problem of invasive fungal infections.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recognised it as a widespread threat with the potential to impact entire healthcare systems if left unchecked and based on their findings. The researchers issued precautions and a call to action for the medical community to help protect people from multidrug-resistant fungi starting with awareness and education.

According to Ghannoum, “Healthcare providers must prioritise the use of diagnostic tests when faced with an unknown fungal infection; early detection can make all the difference in improving patient outcomes.”

The researchers also pointed out that patients treated with medications to protect the immune system after cancer and transplant procedures are more vulnerable to fungal infections; making them more vulnerable to infections from drug-resistant fungi.

They also reported that the emergence of multidrug-resistant fungal species, such as Candida auris and Trichophyton indotineae, are especially troubling and require urgent attention.

To address this growing health concern, McCormick and Ghannoum suggested several measures which included increased awareness and education, diagnostic testing and a call to action. They recommended raising awareness in the general healthcare setting to obtain a more accurate understanding of the rise of antifungal-resistant infections, as well as routine use of diagnostic tests to guide appropriate treatment strategies.

They also noted that improving insurance reimbursement rates for Antifungal Susceptibility Testing (AST) and increasing the number of qualified laboratories with the capacity to perform these tests would help accelerate this fight.

“Addressing the emerging challenge of antifungal resistance involves concerted efforts from healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers and the pharmaceutical industry to develop and implement strategies for managing and preventing antifungal resistance.

“The goal of these measures is to improve the quality of patient care by ensuring effective treatment and preventing further escalation of the problem,” said Ghannoum.

Meanwhile, WHO has called for urgent agreement on international deals to prepare for and prevent future pandemics. To bolster the world’s collective preparedness and response to future pandemics, WHO presses for an urgent agreement from international negotiators on a Pandemic Accord.

In a joint open letter, WHO urged accelerated progress in current negotiations to reach the world’s first-ever multilateral agreement on pandemic preparedness and prevention, a pandemic accord is critical to safeguard our collective future. “Only a strong global pact on pandemics can protect future generations from a repeat of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, which led to millions of deaths and caused widespread social and economic devastation, owing not least to insufficient international collaboration.

“A new pandemic threat will emerge; there is no excuse not to be ready for it. It is thus imperative to build an effective, multisectoral, and multilateral approach to pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Given the unpredictable nature of public health risks, a global strategy must embody a spirit of openness and inclusiveness.”

There is no time to waste, which is why we are calling on all national leaders to redouble their efforts to complete the accord by the May deadline,” it said.

According to WHO, the COVID-19 disaster claimed seven million lives and wiped two trillion dollars from the world economy and therefore they encourage nations to set a deadline in May 2024 by which they should reach an agreement on what would be the world’s first-ever Pandemic Accord.