Evolution of antifungal resistance in the environment
Antibiotic resistance is a term most people are familiar with—but antifungal resistance? That’s a silent storm brewing just as dangerously. While bacteria evolve defenses against antibiotics, fungi too are developing shields against the antifungal drugs we rely on to treat infections. And this isn’t just happening in hospitals—it’s happening right under our feet, in the soil, in the air, on crops, and in the natural environment. Let’s dig into how antifungal resistance is evolving in nature—and why we urgently need to pay attention. What Is Antifungal Resistance? Evolution of Antifungal Resistance in the Environment Image credits: American Society for Microbiology Antifungal resistance occurs when fungal species evolve the ability to survive drugs that would normally kill them or stop their growth. Just like bacteria, fungi can mutate or acquire genes that make them less sensitive to medications like azoles, echinocandins, or amphotericin B. While fungal infections might seem rare...