Insights into the global emergence of antifungal drug resistance
Kylie Boyce A D , Orla Morrissey B , Alexander Idnurm C and Ian Macreadie A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, Vic. 3083, Australia
B Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia
C School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic. 3010, Australia
D Tel: +61 3 9925 7101, Email: kylie.boyce@rmit.edu.au
Microbiology Australia 40(2) 87-91 https://doi.org/10.1071/MA19024
Published: 18 April 2019
Abstract
The global prevalence of fungal diseases has escalated in the last several decades. Currently, it is estimated that fungi infect 1.7 billion people annually and result in 1.5 million deaths every year1. Deaths due to fungal infections are increasing, with mortality often exceeding 50%, further increasing to 100% if treatment is delayed1. Despite these staggering figures, the contribution of fungal infections to the global burden of disease remains under-recognised. In Australia, over a 5-year period fungal infections cost Australia an estimated $583 million2. The median cost for one invasive fungal disease (IFD) is AU$30957, increasing to AU$80291 if the patient is admitted to an intensive care unit3. Treatment of fungal infections poses significant challenges due to the small number of safe and effective antifungal drugs available and emerging antifungal drug resistance. Resistance to every class of antifungal drugs has been described and for some drug classes is extremely common4,5.
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