Recent Trends in Antifungal Agents and Antifungal Therapy

Book excerpt: Fungal infections have taken a new spectrum due to the increased incidence of multi-drug resistant fungal pathogens. Freedom of choice for drugs to treat fungal infections is also narrow because of lesser probability of discovering drugs that would bypass affecting human cells and target fungal cells producing fewer side effects in patients. An approach has gained prominence in research is to look for bioactive antifungal compounds from natural to synthetic sources. It is necessary to discover new classes of antifungals to control the recent emergence of multi-drug resistant fungal infections. This book proposed a details top to bottom outline of antifungal compounds derived naturally or synthetically. The details of their modifications or synthetic analogues have been described, helpful to understand the structure-activity relationship which leads to new compound development in antifungal chemotherapy. Each chapter begins with a comprehensive, top-bottom in-depth discussion of antifungal agents with updated bibliographic references. This compendium will serve as a companion not only for Scientists, Researchers, and Professors, Medical Practitioners but also a valuable reference text for the university students.