Resistance to antifungal drugs could lead to disease and global food shortages
Date:
May 17, 2018
Source:
Imperial College London
Growing levels of resistance to antifungal treatments could lead to increased disease outbreaks and affect food security around the world.
An international team, led by researchers from Imperial College London and the University of Exeter, warns that improvements are needed in how existing drugs are used, as well as an increased focus on the discovery of new treatments, in order to avoid a "global collapse" in our ability to control and fight fungal infections.
The rise in resistance to antifungal treatments mirrors the well-established threat of bacteria which have become resistant to antibiotics.
Common fungal infections include blights which affect food crops as well as yeast and mould-related infections in humans and livestock, which can be fatal for those with underlying conditions.
More:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/05/180517143604.htm