The public health threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is fairly well known. However, the impact of antifungal resistance and its burden is under-recognized and under-appreciated.

A few antifungal medications have been developed over the years, giving physicians the ability to combat fungal infections. Similar to bacteria, some fungi have developed resistance. One of the most common fungal infections is yeast infection caused by Candida. If not treated, yeasts can enter the bloodstream, causing candidemia, particularly in people whose immune systems are not working properly or who are in hospital with multiple devices such as intravenous drips. Of concern is that some of the Candida strains causing candidemia are now becoming resistant to the first- and second-line antifungal drugs.[1]

Like bacteria, fungi will naturally become resistant to antifungal medicine due to frequent or improper use. Examples of improper use are administering antifungal medication in a lower dose, or for a shorter period than necessary to cure the infection.

In addition to problems with fungi that cause disease in humans, growing levels of antifungal resistance could have an impact on global food security.[2] Crop-destroying fungi are estimated to account for a loss of 20% of global crop yields each year. The overuse of antifungal chemicals in intensive agriculture is also driving antifungal resistance. Resistant strains of fungi may spread quickly and could destroy our ability to produce food globally.

Check out this video about antifungal resistance:  

The Rise of Antifungal Resistance 

 https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/861041

References

1 CDC. (2018, September 27). Antifungal Resistance | Fungal Diseases | CDC. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/antifungal-resistance.html

2 Fisher, M. C., Hawkins, N. J., Sanglard, D., & Gurr, S. J. (2018). Worldwide emergence of resistance to antifungal drugs challenges human health and food security. Science,360(6390), 739-742. doi:10.1126/science.aap7999