On Fruits and Fungi: A Risk of Antifungal Usage in Food Storage and Distribution in Driving Drug Resistance in Candida auris

Abstract

The continuous emergence of antifungal drug resistance is a mounting concern for the treatment of fungal infections worldwide. While many pathogenic fungi exhibit some level of antifungal drug resistance, the identification of Candida auris has brought this phenomenon to the fore in recent years. C. auris exhibits resistance to all antifungal drugs used for treatment, and it does so at a very high rate, with more than 90% of isolates being resistant to at least one drug and roughly 4% being panresistant.

Edible nano-encapsulated cinnamon essential oil hybrid wax coatings for enhancing apple safety against food borne pathogens

“…During the marketing of fruits, extended periods of storage within warehouses often occur, either as they await sale or during export to other countries. In certain instances, the storage conditions, encompassing humidity, temperature, and ambient contaminants, can provide a favorable environment for the proliferation of fungi ( Barkai-golan, 2007 ; Yadav and Heitman, 2022 ). Furthermore, fruits affected with fungi are prone to foodborne pathogens when they have pre-residing fungal spores on them ( Graça et al, 2017 ).…”

Fungal Mycobiome of Mature Strawberry Fruits (Fragaria x ananassa Variety ‘Monterey’) Suggests a Potential Market Site Contamination with Harmful Yeasts

“…Early research associate C. frias with the glacial biomes of Patagonia [53]. Members of the Candida pathogenic clade, such as C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, and recently C. auris, were found in commensal environments including fruits [54]. C. albicans is known as an opportunistic yeast pathogen that causes infections in immunosuppressed patients, including skin infections in diabetic patients and thrush in infants [55].…”

“…Whether these cultures have evolved to survive as endophytes remain unknown. It is crucial to recognize that the surfaces of fruits can harbor pathogenic yeasts, particularly drug-resistant strains that could potentially spread to humans [54]. Previously, M. guilliermondii and C. parapsilosis were detected in commercial fruits and vegetables in Russia [46].…”

Candida auris Genetics and Emergence

“…The widespread use of antifungals has significantly contributed to the emergence of multidrugresistant fungal species worldwide. The recent observation of C. auris in India on stored apples treated with antifungals during storage suggests a possible route toward selection of drugresistant C. auris isolates that may have contributed to the evolution of this pathogen (120,122). Interestingly, strains from apples are closely related to strains from patients, hospitals, and marine environments in India, as well as to clinical strains from other parts of the world.…”