The term antibiotic (which means “opposing life”) refers to any substance produced by or derived from microorganisms that in dilute solutions can destroy or inhibit the growth of other microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, in the treatment of infectious diseases. Although intense spotlight has been put on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the focus has almost solely been on antibacterial resistance. However, fungal infections that are resistant to antifungal treatment are an emerging public health problem. Immediate action to abate antifungal resistance is of crucial importance. ResAzoleNet is tailored to illuminate and collect knowledge about antifungal resistance and identify knowledge gaps and research needs. Although critical to the design of preventive strategies and effective resistance reducing measures, these insights are currently lacking. ResAzoleNet is a new national, international and multidisciplinary collaboration joining renowned scientists from human and veterinary medicine, agriculture, mycologists, experts in fungal genetics, economists and epidemiologists. ResAzoleNet brings together research groups from different disciplines, sectors and institutions to illuminate the problem complexity and exchange knowledge and methods (WP1). The network will compile existing knowledge on antifungal resistance in a One Health perspective (WP2), to propose new research projects (WP3). Routes of influence to relevant national and international authorities and stakeholders will be mapped, for distribution of the project results and recommendations of measures (WP4). Finally, an international conference will be arranged to discuss the problem, challenges and alternative measures (WP1).
Through ResAzoleNet, we have gained increased awareness of fungal resistance and a greater understanding of the need for national and international cooperation to slow down the development of fungal resistance and its consequences for UN Sustainable Development Goals 2, 3 and 15. We have identified clear knowledge gaps and research needs.
Time period: 2017–2020