One Health Day: Antifungal Resistance Threatens Humans, Animals and the Environment

One Health Day: Antifungal Resistance Threatens Humans, Animals and the Environment

On One Health Day, November 3rd, the Norwegian Veterinary Institute highlights a growing global health concern: resistance to antifungal agents.

The mold Aspergillus fumigatus taken with a scanning electron microscope and colorized. Photo: Jannicke Wiik Nielsen, The Norwegian Veterinary Institute
The mold Aspergillus fumigatus is found everywhere in nature. It can cause the disease aspergillosis, primarily in people with weakened immune systems. It may also lead to allergies and asthma. The fungus is magnified 1300 times. The image was taken with a scanning electron microscope and colorized. Photo: Jannicke Wiik Nielsen, The Norwegian Veterinary Institute

Fungal infections affect humans, animals, and plants – and with a wetter and warmer climate ahead, the risk of resistant fungi spreading is increasing. Each year, more than 1.5 million people die from fungal infections, many due to resistance to azoles.

The project NavAzole, led by senior researcher Ida Skaar at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, investigates how the common fungus Aspergillus fumigatus develops resistance to azoles – a group of antifungal agents widely used in medicine, agriculture, and industry. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified this fungus as a potential health threat, especially for immunocompromised individuals.

More understanding and knowledge required

“We need to understand where and how resistance arises, and how it spreads,” says Skaar. “This requires cross-sector collaboration and a clear One Health perspective.”

Azole resistance is a prime example of how health challenges transcend boundaries between humans, animals, and the environment. Solutions must be developed collectively – through research, monitoring, and responsible use of antifungal agents.

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