Molecular basis of antifungal drug resistance in yeasts
Résumé
Besides inherent differences in in vitro susceptibilities, clinically-relevant yeast species may acquire re-
sistance upon exposure to most antifungal drugs used in the clinic. In recent years, major fundamental
research studies have been conducted to improve our understanding of the molecular basis of antifun-
gal resistance. This topic is of major interest as antifungal resistance in yeast is clearly evolving and is
correlated with clinical failure. This minireview is an overview of the most recent findings about key mo-
lecular mechanisms evolving in human pathogenic yeasts, particularly Candida spp., in the context of
antifungal drug resistance. Also included are the methods currently available for in vitro antifungal sus-
ceptibility testing and for molecular detection of mutations associated with resistance. Finally, the genetic
drivers of antifungal resistance are discussed in light of the spectra of multidrug resistance as observed
in Candida glabrata.