Abstract

REVIEW ON CURRENT LANDSCAPE OF ANTIFUNGAL INFECTIONS AND THE FUTURE OF ANTIMICROBIAL THERAPY

Toradmal Gaurav Pradip*, Surwase Rutuja Vasant, Shinde Rutuja Rajiv, Thombare Yogiraj Vitthal, Dr. Krunal Kanase and Prof. Dipika Prajapati

Abstract

Antifungal infections, primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals, present a growing global health challenge due to rising rates of antifungal resistance, particularly in species like Candida auris and Aspergillus fumigatus. Current antifungal treatments are limited to a small number of drug classes—azoles, echinocandins, and polyenes—whose efficacy is increasingly threatened by resistant strains. These limitations highlight an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. This review provides an overview of the current antifungal landscape, exploring recent advances in drug development, including new classes such as fosmanogepix and ibrexafungerp, combination therapies, and immunotherapy adjuncts aimed at enhancing host defense. Additionally, advancements in diagnostics and personalized medicine offer promise for timely, targeted treatments. Further, emerging biological and synthetic innovations, including antifungal peptides, monoclonal antibodies, and CRISPR-based technologies, represent exciting frontiers in the fight against resistant fungal infections. However, challenges remain in bringing these therapies to market, necessitating increased antifungal stewardship and global policy support. The review underscores the critical need for integrated approaches combining innovative therapeutics, rapid diagnostics, and policy interventions to address the complexities of fungal infections and resistance effectively.

Keywords: Antifungal resistance, Candida auris, Immunocompromised patients, Novel antifungals, Combination therapy, Immunotherapy.