Abstract

COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON CURRENT APPROACHES TO FUNGAL DISEASE

Sachin Kalyanrao Devde, Sakshi Omprakash Jaju*, Dr. Sunil S. Jaybhaye, Chandrashekhar Vishnu Barde, Yuvraj Narhari Kakad

ABSTRACT

Fungal diseases represent a major global health concern, affecting millions of individuals each year, especially those with compromised immune systems. Despite significant advancements in medical science, fungal infections remain difficult to diagnose, treat, and control due to their complex biology and increasing resistance to available antifungal agents. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current approaches to understanding, diagnosing, and managing fungal diseases. It highlights the epidemiology, pathogenic mechanisms, and clinical manifestations of major fungal infections, alongside recent innovations in laboratory diagnostics such as molecular assays and biomarker-based techniques. The paper also summarizes the existing antifungal drug classes, mechanisms of action, resistance patterns, and the role of antifungal stewardship in optimizing treatment outcomes. Furthermore, it explores emerging strategies including immunotherapy, vaccine development, and nanotechnology-based formulations as promising future tools for combating fungal infections.

Keywords: Fungal infections, Antifungal therapy, Diagnosis, Resistance, Immunotherapy, Vaccines, Nanotechnology, Global health.