Candida auris Resistance Mechanisms to Amphotericin B Alternative Treatments Development

Abstract

Abstract Purpose of Review Systemic fungal infections caused by Candida auris have been identified since 2009, with mortality rates and drug resistance being noticeably higher than other forms of fungal or nosocomial infections. This review article will be a timely addition to the growing body of literature on how alternative or dual-action treatments may become mainstream or required outside the initial trio of antifungal drug classes, including C. auris. Recent Findings Amphotericin B of the polyene class of antifungals has been used in infections caused by this organism but has also been associated with adverse events and patient toxicity. The use of this drug has been demonstrated in dual-action treatments and clinical investigations and confers a greater degree of infection clearance. Summary A greater understanding of fungal yeast infections has also shown the ability for cell-mediated apoptosis in response to Amphotericin B damaging the fungal cell. This supports treatment methods that can still cause cell death with lower dosages being required, though this drug’s specific mechanism of cell membrane binding is not entirely understood. This demonstrates that alternative or dual action treatments may become mainstream or required outside the initial trio of antifungal drug classes.