Antifungal Resistance
Antifungal resistance occurs when fungi evolve to withstand the effects of antifungal medications, making infections harder to treat. This resistance can develop through genetic mutations or by acquiring resistance genes from other fungi. As a result, common antifungal treatments become less effective, leading to prolonged illness and increased healthcare costs.
Factors contributing to antifungal resistance include overuse or misuse of antifungal drugs, especially in healthcare settings and agriculture. Infections caused by resistant fungi, such as Candida auris, pose significant challenges, as they can spread rapidly and are often resistant to multiple antifungal agents, complicating treatment options.