Pathogenic fungi

Pathogenic fungi are a diverse group of eukaryotic microorganisms capable of causing diseases, known as mycoses, in human hosts (StatPearls, 2023). These organisms, including genera such as Candida, Aspergillus, and Cryptococcus, pose a significant threat to immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy (CDC, 2022). Because fungi are eukaryotes, they share many cellular components and metabolic pathways with their human hosts, which complicates the development of selective drugs with low toxicity (Microbiology Spectrum, 2017). Most therapeutic strategies focus on unique fungal structures, such as the cell wall containing chitin and beta-glucans or the cell membrane which utilizes ergosterol instead of cholesterol (Nature Reviews Microbiology, 2017). Systemic fungal infections represent a significant clinical challenge and are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, further exacerbated by the emergence of multi-drug resistant species like Candida auris (WHO, 2022).

Other names

Fungal pathogensMycoses-causing fungiInfectious fungi

Antifungal agents typically act by disrupting the fungal cell membrane (e.g., polyenes), inhibiting ergosterol biosynthesis (e.g., azoles and allylamines), or inhibiting the synthesis of cell wall components like beta-glucan (e.g., echinocandins) (StatPearls, 2023; Journal of Fungi, 2021).