The increasing problem of treatment-resistant fungal infections: a call for antifungal stewardship programs.

Abstract

Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs have been widely recognized among the public health community. These programs focus majorly on bacterial infections, efficient antibiotic use, and measures to curb increasing antibacterial resistance. AMS programs are successfully established around the globe; however, very few include antifungal stewardship (AFS). The increasing incidence of superficial and invasive fungal infections, combined with delayed or inaccurate diagnosis, has contributed to the overprescribing and overuse of antifungal agents. Such increased exposure to antifungal agents may be a reason for the emergence of increasing antifungal resistance among fungal pathogens. With mounting reports of treatment failures and resistant infections, the evidence to support the need for AFS programs is increasing. AFS is an emerging branch of AMS programs that requires global attention and recognition.

• Authors: Aditya K Gupta, Maanasa Venkataraman, Helen J Renaud, Richard Summerbell, Neil H Shear, Vincent Piguet
• Journal: International journal of dermatology (Int J Dermatol) Vol. 60 Issue 12 Pg. e474-e479 (Dec 2021) ISSN: 1365-4632 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 33729567 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: © 2021 The International Society of Dermatology.

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Antifungal Agents

Topics

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Antifungal Agents (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Antimicrobial Stewardship
• Drug Resistance, Fungal
• Humans
• Invasive Fungal Infections
• Mycoses (drug therapy, epidemiology)