Resistance to antifungal drugs

Abstract

Fungal infections caused by fungal pathogens are common in immunocompromised hosts. Candida spp. comprise the major yeast species recovered from infected individuals; however, other yeast species such as Cryptococcus neoformans might also be isolated. Among filamentous fungi causing infections in human, Aspergillus fumigatus has a dominant position, and this fungal species is linked to a high mortality [1]. Not only are a restricted number of antifungal agents available to treat these infections, but also resistance to antifungal treatment can occur. Table 1 summarizes the activity of known antifungal agents in several yeast species and A. fumigatus.