Did you know that antifungal resistance is a major global health treat? Resistance among high-impact fungal pathogens has increased in recent years; however, few drugs are available to treat the infections they cause. To better understand factors influencing the rise in antifungal resistance across One Health and the proper treatment of fungal infections, CDC is leading a discussion with experts on how to address the increasing burden of Candida auris, Aspergillus fumigatus, and dermatophytes (a type of fungi that can cause superficial infections on skin, hair, and nails). Join us to hear from experts who are working to learn about antifungal resistance, its impact on public health, and the actions needed to address the spread.

Moderator: 

Dr. Tom Chiller
Associate Director
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Tom Chiller, MD, MPHTM, is the associate director for global programs in the Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, including fungal disease activities. He is board certified in infectious diseases and is a faculty member in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Emory School of Medicine. During the past decade with the Mycotic Diseases Branch, Dr. Chiller has led efforts to end deaths from opportunistic fungal infections in HIV, control the spread of multidrug-resistant Candida auris and azole-resistant Aspergillus, and identify emerging mold infections.

Panelists:

Dr. Marin Talbot Brewer
Associate Professor
University of Georgia

Marin Talbot Brewer, PhD, MS, is an associate professor of mycology and plant pathology at the University of Georgia, where she has been a faculty member since 2011. She has focused her research on the evolution and diversity of fungal threats to plants and people. Dr. Talbot Brewer’s research has been funded by agencies including the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and CDC.

Dr. Shawn Lockhart
Senior Clinical Laboratory Advisor
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Shawn Lockhart, PhD, D(ABMM), is the senior clinical laboratory advisor and the scientific lead for antifungal resistance for CDC’s Mycotic Diseases Branch. He has been studying infectious fungi for almost 30 years with an emphasis on clinical mycology, antifungal resistance, and laboratory capacity building. Dr. Lockhart has authored or coauthored more than 240 manuscripts and book chapters, and his work has been cited more than 16,000 times.

Dr. Brendan Jackson
Medical Epidemiologist
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Brendan Jackson, MD, MPH, (CDR, USPHS), is a medical epidemiologist who leads CDC's Mycotic Diseases Branch epidemiology team, which is dedicated to fighting deadly fungal diseases. He is a graduate of CDC's Epidemic Intelligence Service and is trained in internal and preventive medicine. Dr. Jackson is particularly interested in reducing misdiagnosis of fungal infections to improve outcomes, as well as the intersections of environmental change and fungal diseases.

Dr. Shyam Verma
Dermatologist
Private Practice

Shyam Verma, MBBS, DVD, PhD, FRCP, is a dermatologist in private practice in Vadodara, India. He has been published extensively in national and international journals, and he has given lectures around the world on the current epidemic of dermatophytosis on the Indian subcontinent. Dr. Verma serves as the Vice President of the International Society of Dermatology, and Chair of the International Liaison Committee of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists.