Addressing critical fungal pathogens under a One Health perspective: key insights from the Portuguese Association of Medical Mycology

Sabino, RaquelAntunes, F.Araujo, RicardoBezerra, Ana RitaBrandão, JoãoCarneiro, C.Carvalho, AgostinhoCarvalho, D.Conceição, I. C.Medeiros, F. CotaCruz, C.Duarte, E.Holum, StephanieMatos, O.Maltez, FernandoMendonça, AlexandreMoura, GabrielaPereira, A.Rodrigues, Célia FortunaTeixeira, P.Valdoleiros, S. R.Veríssimo, C.Viegas, Carla2025-12-172025-12-172025-08Sabino R, Antunes F, Araujo R, Bezerra AR, Brandão J, Viegas C, et al. Addressing critical fungal pathogens under a One Health perspective: key insights from the Portuguese Association of Medical Mycology. Mycopathologia. 2025;190(5):73.0301-486X1573-0832http://hdl.handle.net/10400.21/22350Carla Viegas gratefully acknowledges the FCT/MCTES national support through the UIDB/05608/2020 and UIDP/05608/2020.Fungal infections have emerged as a significant public health concern, especially with the increasing incidence of severe mycoses caused by pathogens such as Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida auris, Candida albicans, and Cryptococcus neoformans. These fungi, listed as critical priorities by the World Health Organization, pose a heightened risk due to the rising prevalence of antifungal resistance and their severe impact on immunocompromised individuals. This article, coordinated by the Portuguese Association of Medical Mycology, emphasizes the importance of adopting a One Health approach to comprehensively address fungal threats. Drawing on interdisciplinary collaboration, the association aims to foster greater awareness, improve diagnostic capabilities, and stimulate research and public health policies in Portugal, but also at the global level. The paper outlines key strategies for surveillance, prevention, and innovation in fungal diagnostics and therapeutics. Moreover, it emphasizes the urgent need for national coordination and international cooperation in managing fungal infections, advocating for integrative approaches that link human, animal, and environmental health. By presenting a consolidated overview of current challenges and future priorities, this work seeks to enhance preparedness and response mechanisms in the face of escalating fungal threats.engAspergillusCandidaCryptococcusMedical mycologyOne HealthPortugalFCT_UIDB/05608/2020FCT_UIDP/05608/2020Addressing critical fungal pathogens under a One Health perspective: key insights from the Portuguese Association of Medical Mycologyjournal article10.1007/s11046-025-00981-3