Addressing Critical Fungal Pathogens Under a One Health Perspective: Key Insights from the Portuguese Association of Medical Mycology
Fungal infections have emerged as a significant public health concern, especially with the increasing incidence of severe mycoses caused by pathogens such as Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida auris, Candida albicans, and Cryptococcus neoformans. These fungi, listed as critical priorities by the World Health Organization, pose a heightened risk due to rising antifungal resistance and their severe impact on immunocompromised individuals. This article, coordinated by the Portuguese Association of Medical Mycology, highlights the importance of adopting a One Health perspective to address fungal threats comprehensively. Drawing on interdisciplinary collaboration, the association aims to foster greater awareness, improve diagnostic capabilities, and stimulate research and public health policies in Portugal but also at global level. The paper outlines key strategies for surveillance, prevention, and innovation in fungal diagnostics and therapeutics. Moreover, it emphasizes the urgent need for national coordination and international cooperation in managing fungal infections, advocating for integrative approaches that link human, animal, and environmental health. By presenting a consolidated overview of current challenges and future priorities, this work seeks to enhance preparedness and response mechanisms in the face of escalating fungal threats.
Authors
- Pedro J. Teixeira (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7202-0527)
- Gabriela Moura (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2243-6123)
- Carla Viegas (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1545-6479)
- Francisco Antunes (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7932-1154)
- João Brandão (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7553-227X)
- Eduardo Robson Duarte (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2205-9412)
- Ana Rita Bezerra (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4613-1711)
- Raquel Sabino (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6585-7775)
- Alexandre de Mendonça (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0488-1453)
- Cláudia Martins Carneiro (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6002-857X)
- Fernando Maltêz (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5828-7727)
- Carla Rodrigues (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9608-2404)
- Sofia R. Valdoleiros (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4283-7549)
- Rui Esteves Araújo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7866-9068)
- Isabel M. Conceição (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0934-9631)
- Cristina Veríssimo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1169-252X)
- Francini Medeiros
- Olga Matos (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5793-7716)
- Agostinho Carvalho (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8935-8030)
- Álvaro Pereira (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8642-4768)
- Diana Carvalho (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2930-0838)
- S Holum
Institutions
- University of Lisbon (PT)
- Universidade do Porto (PT)
- Universidade Politécnica de Lisboa (PT)
- University of Évora (PT)
- Hospital de São João (PT)
- Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário (PT)
- Universidade Politécnica de Setúbal (PT)
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical (PY)
- Hospital de Egas Moniz (PT)
- Nova Medical (United States) (US)
- Hospital Curry Cabral (PT)
- Câmara Municipal de Lisboa (PT)
- National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (PT)
- Hospital de Santa Maria (PT)
- Hospital de Clínicas (UY)
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (PT)
- Unidade em Ciências Biomoleculares Aplicadas
- University of Aveiro (PT)
- Universidade Nova de Lisboa (PT)
- University of Minho (PT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Mycopathologia
- Published
- 2025-08-16
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s11046-025-00981-3
- Citations
- 2
- Primary Topic
- Antifungal resistance and susceptibility
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 2.79
Funders
- Universidade de Lisboa