Comment in 2025

The WHO fungal priority pathogens list exposes critical diagnostic gaps in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where limited access to rapid, affordable tests hinders timely treatment. To reduce mortality, LMICs must urgently invest in laboratory capacity, training and point-of-care diagnostics, especially for fungal diseases associated with HIV (cryptococcosis, Pneumocystis pneumonia and histoplasmosis), tuberculosis (chronic pulmonary aspergillosis), hospital-acquired candidiasis and the fungal neglected tropical diseases.

Despite the global burden of HIV-1, the majority of sequence data and research remain disproportionately focused on subtype B, primarily circulating in the global north. Sub-Saharan Africa, the epicentre of HIV-1 genetic diversity and prevalence, requires increased representation in sequencing efforts and regionally led research to inform effective interventions.

Mitigating climate change requires innovative solutions, and microorganisms, combined with artificial intelligence, can help. This Comment explores artificial intelligence strategies aimed at supporting and improving the development of microbial technologies for climate change action.

This Comment highlights the challenges and rewards of researchers working in resource-limited settings, specifically Thailand, and provides potential solutions to help Thai researchers overcome these difficulties.