0
0
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has announced significant initiatives aimed at prioritizing research on fungal infections, particularly in light of their impact on public health. In response to parliamentary inquiries regarding the measures being taken to combat these infections, ICMR has outlined the following key actions:
Establishment of Mycology Network (MycoNet)
ICMR established the Mycology Network (MycoNet) in 2020, with the goal of mapping fungal infections across India and assessing their impact, especially invasive fungal infections (IFIs), on overall mortality and morbidity. Under this program, eight Advanced Mycology Diagnostic and Research Centers (AMDRCs) have been developed, strategically located across different zones in India. These centers are well-connected with state governments and state medical colleges, facilitating case referrals and training programs.
Identification of Priority Pathogens
ICMR has identified priority pathogens responsible for critical infectious syndromes in India. This identification process involved an extensive literature review and consultations with leading clinicians and laboratory physicians across the country. The resulting comprehensive list includes several important fungal pathogens that require focused research and intervention.
Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Surveillance Network (AMRSN)
ICMR has established an Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Surveillance Network (AMRSN) that collects data on antifungal resistance. This initiative is crucial for understanding the patterns of resistance and developing effective strategies to combat fungal infections.
Support from the Department of Biotechnology
The Department of Biotechnology has also informed that it has supported numerous research projects focused on fungal infections, particularly candidiasis, further enhancing the research landscape in this critical area.
With respect to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2022 publication of the Fungal Priority Pathogens List, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has taken significant steps to address the public health threats posed by fungal pathogens and the rising issue of antifungal resistance.
ICMR’s MycoNet developed a mycology clinical registry in 2023. This registry is designed to document cases of Invasive Fungal Infections (IFIs) as well as rare fungal diseases, including Mycetoma and Chromoblastomycosis. Additionally, MycoNet has established a fungal mapping system that utilizes collected data to generate Antifungal Susceptibility Testing (AFST) data. This system is crucial for monitoring fungal pathogens and their resistance patterns in hospitals and Intensive Care Units (ICUs) across the country.
In response to the issue of drug resistance related to fungal infection, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has announced that its MycoNet program is actively monitoring antifungal drug resistance by collecting critical data on key fungal pathogens, including Candida, Cryptococcus, Pneumocystis, and Aspergillus. Current findings indicate that resistance to commonly used antifungal drugs remains low in most cases, providing reassurance regarding the effectiveness of existing treatment options for patients suffering from fungal infections.
In addition to the MycoNet program, ICMR Anti-Microbial Resistance surveillance network is collecting and monitoring data on the trends and patterns of antimicrobial resistance among clinically important bacteria and fungi affecting human health from 30 tertiary hospitals across India. Furthermore, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed that surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in fungal pathogens has been integrated into the National AMR surveillance network (NARS-Net). This collaboration enhances the overall capacity to monitor and respond to antimicrobial resistance threats effectively.
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha yesterday.
