Exeter launches medical mycology unit  in Latin America to fight global fungal disease crisis

To combat the global threat posed by fungal diseases, the University of Exeter is expanding its world-leading research expertise by launching a new Centre for Medical Mycology in Latin America (CMM-LATAM Unit). This ground-breaking initiative, based in Brazil and created in collaboration with the University of São Paulo, will serve as a world-class hub for research and training in the region. The new centre, launched on September 16th, will focus on developing innovative solutions to combat fungal infections.

With around two million deaths attributed to fungal diseases worldwide each year, the establishment of the CMM-LATAM Unit acts on the urgent need for advanced research and training in medical mycology, particularly in low-to middle-income countries. Professor Arnaldo Colombo, the Brazilian Co-Director of the Unit from the Federal University of São Paulo, said: “The launch of the CMM-LATAM Unit is a major advancement in the fight against human fungal diseases. The ultimate vision is to create a sustainable global network of expertise that will lead to significant breakthroughs in diagnostics, treatments, and public awareness.”

Professor Elaine Bignell, Co-Director of the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter and the Exeter Co-Director of the new Latin American Unit, commented: “Globally, fungal diseases are increasing, and we need worldwide action to save lives. By establishing this unit to tackle fungal diseases endemic to South America, we are not only expanding critically needed research and training efforts, but we are also placing the regions most impacted by these diseases at the forefront of the research agenda. We are proud to be working collaboratively with colleagues in Latin America to share expertise and take the urgent action needed.”

In partnership with local, regional, and international funders, the new centre will play a key role in uniting global efforts to enhance understanding of fungal pathogenesis, host immunity, and disease phenotypes, ultimately contributing to improved prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of fungal infections. It will also deliver training and engagement activities to build much-needed interdisciplinary capacity in medical mycology. The launch event will feature leading international experts in fungal diseases and antifungal resistance research, underscoring the centre’s dedication to fostering global collaboration.

The LATAM Unit based in Sao Paulo, along with the MRC Centre at the University of Exeter, and the CMM Africa Unit in Cape Town, is the third of a series of interconnected global hubs for medical mycology research and training, that have been funded via the UK Medical Research Council, and the University of Exeter, and with a fourth centre planned to open in Asia in 2026.

The new unit is part of the University of Exeter’s broader vision through its MRC Centre for Medical Mycology (CMM), which aims to collaborate with researchers in regions disproportionately affected by fungal diseases, or where local expertise in tackling emerging fungal pathogens will enable collaborative approaches to preparedness. The overall aim of the CMM’s international centres is to establish, strengthen, and connect research and training centres around the globe.

CMM-LATAM’s Key Research Themes:

1. Microbial Evolution and Pathogenesis: Focuses on understanding host-pathogen interactions to develop vaccines and alternative therapies for controlling fungal infections. It also addresses antifungal drug resistance and investigates fungal evolution to gain insights into virulence genes and resistance mechanisms.
2. Biomarkers and Diagnostics: Aims to identify new biomarkers and develop diagnostic tools to enhance the diagnosis and management of fungal infections. It will also improve clinicians’ ability to monitor host responses to therapies.
3. Burden, Natural History, and Clinical Management: Involves collaborating with medical centres across Brazil and Latin America to collect epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory data from patients with fungal infections. The goal is to study the burden and peculiarities of infections by different fungal species, track in-patient antifungal resistance, and validate new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
4. One Health: Seeks to create interdisciplinary networks that address the interconnectedness of animal health, environmental, and climatic factors contributing to human fungal infections. It includes monitoring zoonotic transmission of fungi and environmental conditions impacting antifungal resistance.
5. Education and Outreach: Focuses on building local expertise in medical mycology through workshops, training courses, and public outreach initiatives. The goal is to educate clinicians, students, researchers, and the public about the impact of fungal diseases and the latest diagnostic and therapeutic advancements. This will be enhanced through bi-lateral CMM Latin America Unit and MRC CMM activites.

The CMM-LATAM Unit aims to make a substantial impact in reducing the global burden of fungal diseases by promoting medical mycology and building local research capacity.

For more information on the CMM Latin America Unit and the MRC CMM, please visit:
https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/medicalmycology/