Understanding genome and cell surface protein evolution during echinocandin-induced cell wall remodelling in Candida species to identify biomarkers for rapid detection of drug resistance – University of the Free State

Lead applicant

Dr Chibuike Ibe – University of the Free State

Co-applicants

Carol Munro – Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen

Jonathan Featherston – National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), South Africa

Judith Berman – Shmunis School of Biomedical & Cancer research, Tel Aviv University

Geographical focus – South African and other LMICs in Africa

Research Theme – Biomarkers and Diagnostics

Lay summary

Fungal pathogens are a major healthcare problem and can cause life-threatening infections especially in immunocompromised patients. Only a limited number of antifungal drug classes are available for the treatment of these disease, and fungal pathogens continually evolve mechanisms that circumvent the available treatment options. There is therefore an urgent need for continued research to understand the current mechanisms of drug tolerance/persistence and resistance and develop solutions to tackle them. Our project will contribute to filling in this gap by providing data that will help us understand the role of Candida auris cell wall remodelling, an adaptive stress response mechanism involved in drug tolerance and the evolution of drug resistance. This study will identify a panel of biomarkers that can be used for the rapid detection of drug resistance in Candida species to improve treatment outcomes and can be used to improve treatment guidelines while also influencing the direction of future antifungal research in Africa.