Human Fungal Infections: Pathogens, Current Antifungal Therapies, Antifungal Resistance, and Probiotics: A Literature Review

Fungal infections and their pathogens have become a significant global public health issue, with 6.5 million invasive cases and 3.8 million deaths annually, particularly affecting individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions. This narrative review aims to describe current knowledge (2010–2026) on the most clinically relevant fungal pathogens (WHO list) and traditional antifungals and innovations, including rezafungin, ibrexafungerp, olorofim, and isavuconazole. Kazakhstan’s roseofungin presents as a broad-spectrum polyene for candidiasis and dermatomycoses, limited by producer productivity; however, it is promising for local markets. The review also emphasizes novel antifungal probiotic methods and their potential use as adjuncts to conventional therapy. Antifungal probiotics (Lactobacillus spp., Saccharomyces boulardii) reduce Candida biofilms and colonization as adjunctive therapies, corroborated by randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses. The rising resistance to current antifungal drugs, along with toxicity, limited pharmacological diversity, and restricted access in numerous places, continues to impede the successful management of mycoses.