The increasing incidence of fungal infections has led to higher mortality rates and greater economic burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). The World Health Organization has included fungal species, especially Candida, in its top priority list of critical pathogens. Antimicrobial resistance is a major problem in treating fungal infections, as fungal species develop resistance to commonly used antifungal drugs through various mechanisms, such as efflux pump activation and biofilm formation. Fungal pathogens possess virulence factors, including secretory products, surface molecules, and dimorphic growth, to evade host immune responses and cause infections. The emergence of antifungal resistance has necessitated the exploration of alternative therapeutic strategies. Plant-based bioactive compounds, with their diverse mechanisms of action and limited side effects, have shown potential as antifungal agents. These phytochemicals can disrupt fungal cell membranes, interfere with metabolic pathways, induce oxidative stress, and modulate immune responses. However, the use of plant-based therapeutics faces challenges related to quality control, standardization, and safety. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of fungal pathogens, challenges in their treatment, and how plant-based therapeutics can redefine treatment options while promoting sustainable and effective antifungal strategies. Future recommendations include the development of novel antifungal agents with different mechanisms of action, the implementation of antifungal combinations, and the improvement of diagnostic methodologies to address the complex nature of the threats posed by fungal pathogens.

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Understanding Fungal Pathogens and Their Challenges in Therapy

  • Muhammad Kamran,
  • Muhammad Bilal Habib,
  • Saba Zafar,
  • Adeel Shahid,
  • Muhammad Ali,
  • Rehan Sadiq Shaikh

摘要

The increasing incidence of fungal infections has led to higher mortality rates and greater economic burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). The World Health Organization has included fungal species, especially Candida, in its top priority list of critical pathogens. Antimicrobial resistance is a major problem in treating fungal infections, as fungal species develop resistance to commonly used antifungal drugs through various mechanisms, such as efflux pump activation and biofilm formation. Fungal pathogens possess virulence factors, including secretory products, surface molecules, and dimorphic growth, to evade host immune responses and cause infections. The emergence of antifungal resistance has necessitated the exploration of alternative therapeutic strategies. Plant-based bioactive compounds, with their diverse mechanisms of action and limited side effects, have shown potential as antifungal agents. These phytochemicals can disrupt fungal cell membranes, interfere with metabolic pathways, induce oxidative stress, and modulate immune responses. However, the use of plant-based therapeutics faces challenges related to quality control, standardization, and safety. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of fungal pathogens, challenges in their treatment, and how plant-based therapeutics can redefine treatment options while promoting sustainable and effective antifungal strategies. Future recommendations include the development of novel antifungal agents with different mechanisms of action, the implementation of antifungal combinations, and the improvement of diagnostic methodologies to address the complex nature of the threats posed by fungal pathogens.