ANTIFUNGAL DRUGS & RESISTANCE

Polyenes

Antifungal class; example

Azoles

Largest antifungal class; examples

Nucleoside analogues

Antifungal class; example

Echinocandins

Antifungal class; examples

Allylamines

Antifungal class; example

Morpholines

Antifungal class; example

Griseofulvin

Antifungal; binds tubulin; inhibits mitosis/cell division; used for dermatophyte infections

Primary resistance

Intrinsic or naturally occurring drug resistance present before exposure

Secondary resistance

Acquired resistance developing after drug exposure via mutation or gene change

Efflux pump

Membrane protein that actively expels drugs; common resistance mechanism in azole-resistant fungi

Biofilm resistance

Reduced drug penetration and increased efflux activity in fungal biofilms; contributes to persistent infection