Decoding bug chatter to fight infections

Abstract

We usually link infections with bacteria. However, more than half of the world’s population is suffering due to the infections caused by microscopic organisms called fungi. These conditions range from the mildest athlete’s foot to life threatening meningitis. Despite diversity, only a few patients are aware that their disease is correlated with fungal agents. Nowadays, dangerous fungi are becoming more common. The incidence of disease caused by these microscopic bugs has increased at an alarming rate and will double in the coming years. Annually, fungi are responsible for millions of deaths and billions of expenditure. High fungal infection rates are mostly related to the growing population of patients with weakened immune systems. Modern medical practices including chemotherapy, antibiotics and drugs that suppress our defence mechanisms make the cancer patients and transplant recipients ideal targets for fungal attack. Additionally, fungi thrive in hospitals and medical devices. These virulent agents remain a ...