Fungus found evolving resistance to drug meant for humans
A recent study published in Science Translational Medicine reveals that Pneumocystis jirovecii, a fungus causing severe pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals, is developing resistance to mycophenolic acid (MPA). MPA is an immunosuppressant drug used in solid-organ transplant recipients to prevent organ rejection. Researchers analysed global samples and found common mutations in the fungal gene producing IMPDH, the enzyme targeted by the drug, suggesting that exposure to the medication exerts selective pressure on the pathogen. This challenges current understandings of antimicrobial and antifungal resistance and highlights the risks of unintended evolutionary pressures from human-targeted therapies.
Key Points
- Pneumocystis jirovecii fungus has been found to evolve resistance to the immunosuppressant drug mycophenolic acid (MPA).
- MPA, used in transplant recipients to prevent organ rejection, targets the fungal enzyme IMPDH.
- Mutations in the fungal gene producing IMPDH were identified across multiple global samples.
- The findings highlight the broader risk of human-targeted therapies creating unintended selective pressure on pathogens.
Exam Facts
- The study analysed 163 P. jirovecii samples from China, Denmark, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, and the U.S.
- About 86% of samples from transplant recipients contained a mutation in the IMPDH gene, compared to 13% in non-transplant samples.
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