In a race against time, a team of experts at Australia's National Mycological Reference Center (NMRC) are dedicated to preventing the next global pandemic caused by fungal infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently warned about the critical threats posed by four organisms, as fungal infections continue to spread globally, unaffected by current medication.

The NMRC scientists are actively identifying new fungi that have the potential to cause mass infection and death on a global scale. The lack of available antifungal drugs in the market further amplifies the urgency of their work. Inside their lab, researchers at the NMRC are focused on antifungal drug discovery, susceptibility testing, and surveillance of emerging antifungal resistance.

One of the most significant threats highlighted by the experts is a yeast-like fungus known as Candida auris. Initially discovered in Japan in 2009, this fungus has the potential to cause severe blood infections in humans. With an estimated four million global deaths occurring annually due to fungal infections, the urgency to combat such threats has become paramount.

Sarah Kidd, the head of NMRC, mentioned that the popularity of the TV show 'The Last of Us,' which depicts a world plagued by a fungus that turns people into zombies, has helped raise awareness about fungal infections. People now realize that fungal infections extend far beyond superficial conditions, such as athlete's foot. Although Kidd emphasized that a real-life zombie-like apocalypse is not possible, she acknowledged that the world is already facing a slow-moving fungal pandemic.

Notably, the lack of effective fungal treatments has prompted the WHO to classify four out of the 19 fungal pathogens as posing a critical threat to public health. These include Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida auris, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Candida albicans. While Candida auris has emerged as the most significant current threat, it gained attention only five years after its initial discovery when it was identified in South Africa, India, and the United States.

To combat Candida auris, researchers at the NMRC have developed a PCR test to rapidly screen patients. This screening process allows hospitals to isolate infected individuals quickly, preventing the further spread of the fungus. Known as the "first fungal superbug," Candida auris behaves similarly to drug-resistant bacteria, making it particularly challenging to treat.

The quick spread of these fungal infections is believed to be linked to rising global temperatures caused by climate change, as well as increased international travel. To exacerbate the situation, fungal diseases have been neglected in terms of research funding, diagnostic development, and the production of antifungal drugs.

Despite these challenges, Kidd and her team at the NMRC remain determined to develop effective tests and treatments against future infections and potential pandemics. Their relentless efforts are aimed at safeguarding public health and preventing the devastating consequences that fungal infections can bring upon society.

As fungal infections continue to pose a growing global threat, innovative research and investment in the development of antifungal drugs are urgently needed to protect public health and prevent future pandemics.