Emerging Trends in Antifungal Resistance among Clinical Yeast Isolates: Epidemiology, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Implications

The rise of antifungal-resistant yeast species represents a growing threat to public health worldwide. Candida species, particularly Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Candida auris, are increasingly implicated in bloodstream infections and invasive candidiasis. This review investigates the epidemiology, molecular mechanisms, antifungal susceptibility patterns, and therapeutic challenges associated with these pathogens. A systematic analysis of clinical isolates from multiple geographical regions was conducted, emphasizing resistance trends, virulence factors, and treatment outcomes. Findings indicate a significant increase in multidrug-resistant isolates, particularly C. auris, linked to mutations in ERG11 and FKS genes. This paper underscores the necessity for robust surveillance, molecular diagnostic tools, and novel antifungal strategies to combat the emerging threat of resistant yeast infections.