The Mechanistic Targets of Antifungal Agents: An Overview
2016
Pathogenic fungi are a major causative group for opportunistic infections (OIs). AIDS
patients and other immunocompromised individuals are at risk for OIs, which if not treated
appropriately, contribute to the mortality associated with their conditions. Several studies have
indicated that the majority of HIV-positive patients contract fungal infections throughout the course of
their disease. Similar observations have been made regarding the increased frequency of bone marrow
and organ transplants, the use of antineoplastic agents, the excessive use of antibiotics, and the
prolonged use of corticosteroids among others. In addition, several pathogenic fungi have developed
resistance to current drugs. Together these have conspired to spur a need for developing new treatment options for OIs. To
aid this effort, this article reviews the biological targets of current and emerging drugs and agents that act through these
targets for the treatment of opportunistic fungal infections.
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