Antifungals
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Antifungals
Antifungals (pronunciation: /ˌæntiˈfʌŋɡəlz/) are a class of medication used to treat fungal infections.
Etymology
The term "antifungal" is derived from the Latin words "anti" meaning against, and "fungus" meaning mushroom.
Types of Antifungals
There are several types of antifungals, each with a different mechanism of action. These include:
- Polyenes: These antifungals, such as Amphotericin B, bind to ergosterol, a component of the fungal cell membrane, causing it to become porous and leading to cell death.
- Azoles: This group of antifungals, which includes Fluconazole and Itraconazole, inhibit the synthesis of ergosterol, disrupting the fungal cell membrane.
- Echinocandins: These antifungals, such as Caspofungin, inhibit the synthesis of β-glucan, a component of the fungal cell wall, leading to cell death.
- Allylamines: These antifungals, such as Terbinafine, inhibit the enzyme squalene epoxidase, disrupting the synthesis of ergosterol.
Related Terms
- Mycosis: A disease caused by a fungal infection.
- Candidiasis: A fungal infection caused by Candida species.
- Tinea: A fungal infection of the skin, also known as ringworm.
- Aspergillosis: A disease caused by Aspergillus species.
- Cryptococcosis: A disease caused by Cryptococcus species.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antifungals
- Wikipedia's article - Antifungals
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