Interfering with efflux pumps for increased antifungal effects?

Abstract

Fungal infections have emerged as a major medical problem during the last 20 years. Reasons for this include suppression of the immune system by HIV infection/AIDS and improved cancer chemotherapy and immunotherapy regimens. Increasingly, resistance to the antifungal effects of established antimycotic agents is occurring in the general population. Of even greater concern to clinicians is the emergence of cross-resistance to antifungal drugs. This issue and a possible mechanism for overcoming the phenomenon were addressed at the 4th Congress of the European Confederation of Medical Mycology [ Glasgow, Scotland; May 1998 ].