Steps taken to prioritize Research on Fungal Infections

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has launched major initiatives to prioritize research on fungal infections, especially Invasive Fungal Infections (IFIs) and antifungal drug resistance.

ICMR’s Key Programs on Fungal Infections

• Mycology Network (MycoNet) – Established in 2020
  • Objective: Map fungal infections across India and assess their impact.
  • Focus: Invasive Fungal Infections (IFIs) and rare fungal diseases like Mycetoma and Chromoblastomycosis.
  • 2023 Milestone: Developed India’s first Mycology Clinical Registry to document IFI cases.

• Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Surveillance Network (AMRSN)
  • Tracks antifungal resistance to identify emerging threats.
  • Monitors key pathogens:
    • Candida
    • Cryptococcus
    • Pneumocystis
    • Aspergillus

• Surveillance of Drug Resistance
  • Collecting critical data to combat antifungal resistance and improve treatment strategies.

(Source: PIB)