Resistant fungi: the latest threat

05/02/2019

You’ve no doubt heard all about resistant and multi-resistant bacteria, but resistant fungi are less often talked about, despite their being just as dangerous.

There are several fungi that cause particular concern, one of which is called Aspergillus. Found all
over, it is harmless to most people yet poses a real risk to those more vulnerable due to current or
past lung infections or other conditions.

In the last few years, infections of this fungus have emerged, named aspergillosis, and the recent
mutation in this fungus’ resistance has rendered some antifungal treatments ineffective. When
untreated, however, this infection is potentially fatal.

Just as too many antibiotics have led to resistant bacteria, overuse of antifungal treatments and
fungicide agricultural products are at the root of why these resistant fungi are developing.