Medical Research Council and University of Exeter
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Stories

Hear the stories behind the science

Fungal diseases are responsible for more than 2 million deaths each year, yet they remain under-recognised and underfunded. This series brings together the perspectives of patients, clinicians and researchers to explore the impact of fungal disease and the growing threat of antifungal resistance.

Through personal experiences and scientific insight, these films aim to increase understanding of fungal diseases and the urgent need for research that improves prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Demand action. Fund research. Save lives.

Elizabeth’s story

After surviving cryptococcal meningitis, Elizabeth turned her experience into action.

Cryptoccocal meningitis is a serious fungal infection, which can be fatal if not diagnosed rapidly. In this episode of Stories Behind the Science, Elizabeth shares her experience of the disease, from her diagnosis, treatment and her ongoing advocacy work in her community.

Her story highlights the challenges faced by people affected by serious fungal infections and the importance of timely diagnosis, access to specialist care, the importance of community and raising awareness of fungal infections.

About cryptococcal meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a serious infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, a fungus found in the environment. The infection can affect the brain and surrounding tissues and is particularly dangerous for people with weakened immune systems. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential.

Find out more

With thanks to Elizabeth for sharing her story with us, Motion Lab Film & TV Production for their expertise in filming Elizabeth’s story, and to Kennedy Mupeli whose support was essential throughout this project.

About the video

Produced by the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter

Funded by

Edited by Storyscreen.

Tom’s story

For years, Tom lived with symptoms no one could explain. It took around 5 years to finally get a diagnosis of aspergillosis.

Living with aspergillosis can have a profound impact on everyday life. In this episode of Stories Behind the Science, Tom shares his experience, from his first symptoms and diagnosis through to managing a long-term fungal disease.

His story highlights the challenges faced by many people living with chronic fungal infections and the importance of timely diagnosis, specialist care and continued research.

About aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is caused by Aspergillus, a common mould found in the environment. Most people breathe in Aspergillus spores every day without becoming ill, but for some individuals, particularly those with weakened immune systems or underlying lung disease, it can cause serious infection.

Find out more

About the video

Produced by the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter

Funded by

Filmed and edited by Storyscreen.

Race Against Resistance

What happens when the antifungal medicines we rely on to save lives stop working?

Fungal infections kill more than 2 million people worldwide each year, yet they remain one of the worlds most overlooked health threats. As fungi become resistant to the limited antifungal medicines available, treatment options are shrinking and lives are at risk.

In Race Against Resistance, Dame Sally Davies (UK Special Envoy on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)), Professor Adilia Warris (Professor in Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Co-Director of the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology) and Dr Hugh Gifford (NIHR Clinical Lecturer, University of Exeter), explore the threat of antifungal drug resistance, the impact on patients and why urgent investment for new and better treatments is needed.

Antifungal drug resistance is a growing global health threat that we cannot afford to ignore.

Join us in raising awareness and increasing research and action to combat fungal infections. Explore the fungal threat and discover the stories behind the science.

The Fungal Threat: Demand Action. Fund research. Save Lives.

About the video

Produced by the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter.

Funded by

Filmed and edited by Storyscreen.

Want to learn more?

What are fungi? What is antifungal resistance? Meet the scientists