Original Articles
Future Trends in Fungal Pathogen Resistance: A Prospective Study on Antifungal Efficacy and Emerging Threats | |
Dr. Deepak Kumar, Dr. Rashid Iqbal, Dr. Sanjay Nag | |
Aim: The aim of this study was to assess future trends in fungal pathogen resistance, focusing on antifungal efficacy and emerging threats in a cohort of patients with invasive fungal infections (IFIs). Materials and Methods: This prospective, observational cohort study enrolled 100 patients diagnosed with invasive fungal infections or at high risk for such infections at a tertiary care hospital. Inclusion criteria included adults aged 18 years or older, diagnosed with confirmed or suspected fungal infections such as candidiasis, aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, and mucormycosis, and requiring antifungal treatment. Data collected included demographic characteristics, clinical history, microbiological profiles, and antifungal susceptibility testing. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on treatment failures and relapses. Results: The most common infections were candidiasis (40%), aspergillosis (25%), and cryptococcosis (15%). Candida albicans was the predominant pathogen (40%), followed by Aspergillus fumigatus (18%). Fluconazole resistance was observed in 30% of isolates, with Candida glabrata exhibiting the highest fluconazole resistance (60%). The overall treatment efficacy was 75%, with 10% relapse and 5% new resistance observed. Cancer, diabetes, organ transplantation, prolonged antifungal therapy, and prior antifungal use were significantly associated with increased antifungal resistance. Conclusion: Antifungal resistance, particularly in Candida glabrata, remains a significant challenge in managing invasive fungal infections. While antifungal treatment remains effective in most cases, resistance emergence during therapy highlights the need for vigilant monitoring and tailored treatment strategies. Continuous surveillance and the development of novel antifungal agents are essential to counteract emerging resistance and improve patient outcomes. |
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