Emergence of traits in human fungal pathogens.

Abstract

Invasive human fungal pathogens cause significant morbidity and mortality. Both environmental and host factors have driven the evolution of key traits, such as pathogenicity and drug resistance. This has led to the emergence and spread of novel pathogens and drug-resistant variants, posing a substantial threat to public health. Unlike well-reviewed bacterial or viral pathogens, fungal pathogens can utilize eukaryote-specific mechanisms to rapidly acquire adaptive traits. Understanding the drivers and molecular mechanisms behind these traits is essential. This review systematically elucidates these processes in common and emerging fungal pathogens. We highlight the urgent need for next-generation antifungal strategies with high resistance barriers, discussing their necessity and feasibility to limit the emergence of drug resistance.