Research summary
Fungal infections pose a serious threat to human health and global food security. The widespread use of antifungals in agriculture and medicine to control fungal growth and prevent infections has led to an increase in resistance. In fact, the azole-based antifungals employed to protect crops share a mode of action with clinical antifungals, which could ultimately make the target fungi harder to eliminate and more resistant to treatment.
As Canada Research Chair in Proteomics of Fungal Disease in One Health, Dr. Jennifer Geddes-McAlister is applying a One Health approach (recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health) to reduce our reliance on antifungals and control the effects of fungal disease in crops. She and her research team are also shedding light on mechanisms for overcoming antifungal resistance in clinical pathogens. Ultimately, their goal is to decrease the overall use of antifungals.