Due to the increased number of susceptible individuals—such as those with immunosuppression or respiratory viral infections—invasive mold infections have gained growing importance in recent years. Furthermore, the epidemiology of mold infections has evolved as a result of environmental factors like climate warming and human activities, including agricultural fungicide use and the increasing prevalence of pet ownership.
In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) published the Fungal Priority Pathogens List in 2022, calling for enhanced research on key fungal infections and the development of new antifungal drugs. The list highlights Aspergillus fumigatus as a critical priority pathogen, along with Mucorales and other fungi as high priority pathogens. Additionally, international treatment guidelines recommend that countries establish local epidemiological data and monitor antifungal susceptibility trends for Aspergillus and Mucorales to guide effective treatment.
To address these issues, we initiated the Taiwan Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance of Molds (TSARM) project in 2016. The project currently focuses on Aspergillus and Mucorales, regularly collecting clinical isolates from hospitals across Taiwan as well as environmental isolates from various regions. Our aim is to study species distribution, resistance trends, resistance mechanisms, and phylogenetic relationships in order to gain a deeper understanding of aspergillosis and mucormycosis in Taiwan. Furthermore, through TMRC, we share research experiences and fungal strains, provide customized experimental services, and collaborate with fungal research enthusiasts to explore the diverse aspects of fungi in our environment.