Antifungal Compounds Discovery

Fungi are both the cause of many major health problems and an incredible source of compounds for developing new medicinal treatments, and with the increasing emergence of multidrug resistance, the need for new antimicrobial agents is greater than ever. Antifungal Compounds Discovery provides researchers with a detailed study of both natural and synthetic compounds that can be effective against a variety of fungal species, supporting and encouraging the design of innovative, potent new drug candidates for the treatment of fungal infections. Beginning with an introduction to both the history and latest developments in this field, the book goes on to provide helpful background information on key fungal species before outlining current antifungal therapies and reasons further development is needed. Detailed chapters then follow reviewing a broad range of natural and synthetic antifungal agents, and discussing the synergistic effect of working with both simultaneously. Finally, the book concludes by considering potential future developments in this important field. Supported with detailed schemes and key information on the biological activity of all selected compounds, Antifungal Compounds Discovery is a comprehensive guide helping researchers understand the relationship between specific chemical structures and their antifungal potency, and a key tool for all those involved in the identification and development of antimicrobial compounds. Provides an overview of the most specific mycotic infections and fungal species as background for compound development Presents the chemical formulas of all natural and synthetic compounds reviewed Combines detailed information about origin, isolation and possible therapeutic uses of all indexed compounds, including biological activity, mechanism of action and SAR information

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.

Fungal infections such as candidoses can range from superficial mucous membrane infection to life-threatening systemic mycoses. Candida infections are a significant clinical problem globally due to rapid rise in compromised host populations including HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients and patients on chemotherapy. In addition, sharp increase in aging populations which are susceptible to fungal infections is expected in next few decades. Antifungal drugs are relatively difficult to develop compared to the antibacterial drugs owing to the eukaryotic nature of the cells. Therefore, only a handful of antifungal agents are currently available to treat the myriad of fungal infections. Moreover, rising antifungal resistance and host-related adverse reactions have limited the antifungal arsenal against fungal pathogens. In this research topic, we tried to update the theoretical aspects pertaining to the antifungal drug discovery i.e. proposed novel mechanisms, new drug targets and pathways. In addition, invited authors explored the new antifungal drugs derived from natural and synthetic sources which are currently under development. Contributors were encouraged to bring new insight into the antifungal drug discovery. We hope the reader may arrive at a general consensus on the possible strategies to combat ever increasing ubiquitous fungal infection in this new century.

Explores how new molecular technologies are interfacing with chemistry and biology in the search for new fungicide targets.

A concise one-stop-practical reference for the various physicians dealing with fungal infections, Antifungal Therapy appeals to infectious disease physicians, transplant surgeons, dermatologists, and intensivists, as well as basic scientists and pharmaceutical company researchers interested in the state of antifungal therapy. This book provides a c

Fungi are eukaryotic microorganisms that are closely related to humans at cellular level. Human fungal pathogens belong to various classes of fungi, mainly zygo- cetes, ascomycetes, basidiomycetes, and deuteromycetes. In recent years, fungal infections have dramatically increased as a result of improved diagnosis, high frequency of catheterization, instrumentation, etc. However, the main cause remains the increasing number of immunosuppressed patients, mostly because of HIV infection and indiscriminate usage of antineoplastic and immunosuppressive agents, broad-spectrum antibiotics and prosthetic devices, and grafts in clinical settings. Presently available means of combating fungal infections are still weak and clumsy compared to control of bacterial infection. The present scenario of antifungal therapy is still based on two classes of antifungal drugs (polyenes and azoles). These drugs are effective in many cases, but display toxicity and limited spectrum of ef?cacy. The recent trend towards emergence of drug-resistant isolates in the clinic is an additional problem. In recent years, a few new antifungal drugs have entered the clinics, but they are expected to undergo same fate as the older antifungal drugs. The application of fungal genomics offers an unparalleled opportunity to develop novel antifungal drugs. However, it is too early to expect any novel drugs, as the antifungal drug discovery program is in the stage of infancy. Interestingly, several novel antifungal drug targets have been identi?ed and validated.