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New Strategies to Combat Human Fungal Infections

Summary

Fungal infections are becoming a major global health threat, causing millions of deaths annually. This research collection presents new and improved ways to treat these infections, including natural compounds like chitosan, beneficial bacteria, new drug combinations, and tests to better understand which treatments work best. The papers showcase innovative approaches beyond traditional antifungal medications to help combat resistant infections.

Background

Fungal infections have risen significantly worldwide, causing considerable morbidity and mortality. The WHO released its first Fungal Priority Pathogens List in 2022, highlighting this neglected public health crisis. Current estimates indicate 6.5 million annual cases of invasive fungal infections resulting in approximately 3.8 million deaths yearly.

Objective

This editorial introduces a special issue featuring innovative strategies to combat human fungal infections. The publication aims to provide a platform for sharing new knowledge and perspectives on alternative treatments and novel therapeutic targets for fungal pathogens.

Results

The special issue presents multiple innovative approaches including chitosan activity against Histoplasma capsulatum, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum’s protective effects against Malassezia furfur, optimization of antifungal susceptibility testing methods, cyclosporine’s antivirulence effects on Cryptococcus neoformans, and novel coordination compounds against Fonsecaea pedrosoi.

Conclusion

The collection demonstrates the critical need for continued research and development of novel antifungal strategies. These papers collectively highlight promising alternative treatments, improved testing methodologies, and antivirulence approaches to address the global challenge of fungal infections and emerging antifungal resistance.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi (Basel),
  • Study Type:Editorial/Review Collection,
  • Source: PMID: 39728376, DOI: 10.3390/jof10120880
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