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Dladla M, Gyzenhout M, Marias G, Ghosh S. Azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus- comprehensive review. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:305. [PMID: 38878211 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-04026-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous filamentous fungus commonly found in the environment. It is also an opportunistic human pathogen known to cause a range of respiratory infections, such as invasive aspergillosis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Azole antifungal agents are widely used for the treatment and prophylaxis of Aspergillus infections due to their efficacy and tolerability. However, the emergence of azole resistance in A. fumigatus has become a major concern in recent years due to their association with increased treatment failures and mortality rates. The development of azole resistance in A. fumigatus can occur through both acquired and intrinsic mechanisms. Acquired resistance typically arises from mutations in the target enzyme, lanosterol 14-α-demethylase (Cyp51A), reduces the affinity of azole antifungal agents for the enzyme, rendering them less effective, while intrinsic resistance refers to a natural resistance of certain A. fumigatus isolates to azole antifungals due to inherent genetic characteristics. The current review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of azole antifungal resistance in A. fumigatus, discusses underlying resistance mechanisms, including alterations in the target enzyme, Cyp51A, and the involvement of efflux pumps in drug efflux. Impact of azole fungicide uses in the environment and the spread of resistant strains is also explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mthokozisi Dladla
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa
| | - Marieka Gyzenhout
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa.
| | - Gert Marias
- Department of Plant Sciences, Division of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Soumya Ghosh
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa.
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa 616, Birkat Al Mawz, Oman.
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Yerbanga IW, Lagrou K, Merckx R, Nakanabo Diallo S, Gangneux JP, Delabarre A, Denis O, Rodriguez-Villalobos H, Montesinos I, Bamba S. First detection of triazole-resistant aspergillus fumigatus harbouring the TR34/L98H Cyp51A mutation in Burkina Faso. Mycoses 2024; 67:e13732. [PMID: 38712846 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triazole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus (TRAF) isolates are a growing public health problem with worldwide distribution. Epidemiological data on TRAF is limited in Africa, particularly in West Africa. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to screen for the environmental presence of TRAF isolates in the indoor air of two hospitals in Burkina Faso. MATERIALS AND METHODS Air samples were collected in wards housing patients at risk for invasive aspergillosis, namely infectious diseases ward, internal medicine ward, nephrology ward, pulmonology ward, medical emergency ward and paediatric ward. Sabouraud Dextrose Agar supplemented with triazoles was used to screen the suspected TRAF isolates and EUCAST method to confirm the resistance of suspected isolates. Sequencing of cyp51A gene was used to identify the resistance mechanism of confirmed TRAF isolates. RESULTS Of the 198 samples collected and analysed, 67 showed growth of A. fumigatus isolates. The prevalence of TRAF isolates was 3.23% (4/124). One TRAF isolate exhibited a pan-triazole resistance. Sequencing of cyp51A gene identified the TR34/L98H mutation for this pan-triazole resistant isolate. This study showed for the first time the circulation of the pan-azole resistant isolate harbouring the TR34/L98H mutation in Burkina Faso. CONCLUSIONS These findings emphasise the need to map these TRAF isolates in all parts of Burkina Faso and to establish local and national continuous surveillance of environmental and clinical TRAF isolates in this country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isidore W Yerbanga
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Régional de Ouahigouya, Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso
- Université Nazi Boni, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Katrien Lagrou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and National Reference Center for Mycosis, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rita Merckx
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and National Reference Center for Mycosis, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Seydou Nakanabo Diallo
- Université Nazi Boni, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
- Centre Muraz/Institut National de Santé Publique, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Jean-Pierre Gangneux
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail), European ECMM Excellence Center in Medical Mycology, Rennes, France
| | - Aymeric Delabarre
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail), European ECMM Excellence Center in Medical Mycology, Rennes, France
| | - Olivier Denis
- Department of Microbiology, CHU Namur site-Godinne, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hector Rodriguez-Villalobos
- Department of Microbiology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc-Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabel Montesinos
- Department of Microbiology, CHU Namur site-Godinne, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sanata Bamba
- Université Nazi Boni, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sourô Sanou, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
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Sen P, Vijay M, Kamboj H, Gupta L, Shankar J, Vijayaraghavan P. cyp51A mutations, protein modeling, and efflux pump gene expression reveals multifactorial complexity towards understanding Aspergillus section Nigri azole resistance mechanism. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6156. [PMID: 38486086 PMCID: PMC10940716 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55237-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Black Aspergillus species are the most common etiological agents of otomycosis, and pulmonary aspergillosis. However, limited data is available on their antifungal susceptibility profiles and associated resistance mechanisms. Here, we determined the azole susceptibility profiles of black Aspergillus species isolated from the Indian environment and explored the potential resistance mechanisms through cyp51A gene sequencing, protein homology modeling, and expression analysis of selected genes cyp51A, cyp51B, mdr1, and mfs based on their role in imparting resistance against antifungal drugs. In this study, we have isolated a total of 161 black aspergilli isolates from 174 agricultural soil samples. Isolates had variable resistance towards medical azoles; approximately 11.80%, 3.10%, and 1.24% of isolates were resistant to itraconazole (ITC), posaconazole (POS), and voriconazole (VRC), respectively. Further, cyp51A sequence analysis showed that non-synonymous mutations were present in 20 azole-resistant Aspergillus section Nigri and 10 susceptible isolates. However, Cyp51A homology modeling indicated insignificant protein structural variations because of these mutations. Most of the isolates showed the overexpression of mdr1, and mfs genes. Hence, the study concluded that azole-resistance in section Nigri cannot be attributed exclusively to the cyp51A gene mutation or its overexpression. However, overexpression of mdr1 and mfs genes may have a potential role in drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Sen
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mukund Vijay
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Himanshu Kamboj
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Lovely Gupta
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Jata Shankar
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Solan, India
| | - Pooja Vijayaraghavan
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Simmons BC, Rhodes J, Rogers TR, Verweij PE, Abdolrasouli A, Schelenz S, Hemmings SJ, Talento AF, Griffin A, Mansfield M, Sheehan D, Bosch T, Fisher MC. Genomic Epidemiology Identifies Azole Resistance Due to TR 34/L98H in European Aspergillus fumigatus Causing COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1104. [PMID: 37998909 PMCID: PMC10672581 DOI: 10.3390/jof9111104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus has been found to coinfect patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, leading to COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA). The CAPA all-cause mortality rate is approximately 50% and may be complicated by azole resistance. Genomic epidemiology can help shed light on the genetics of A. fumigatus causing CAPA, including the prevalence of resistance-associated alleles. We present a population genomic analysis of 21 CAPA isolates from four European countries with these isolates compared against 240 non-CAPA A. fumigatus isolates from a wider population. Bioinformatic analysis and antifungal susceptibility testing were performed to quantify resistance and identify possible genetically encoded azole-resistant mechanisms. The phylogenetic analysis of the 21 CAPA isolates showed that they were representative of the wider A. fumigatus population with no obvious clustering. The prevalence of phenotypic azole resistance in CAPA was 14.3% (n = 3/21); all three CAPA isolates contained a known resistance-associated cyp51A polymorphism. The relatively high prevalence of azole resistance alleles that we document poses a probable threat to treatment success rates, warranting the enhanced surveillance of A. fumigatus genotypes in these patients. Furthermore, potential changes to antifungal first-line treatment guidelines may be needed to improve patient outcomes when CAPA is suspected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin C. Simmons
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK; (J.R.); (S.J.H.); (M.C.F.)
- UK Health Security Agency, London EP14 4PU, UK
| | - Johanna Rhodes
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK; (J.R.); (S.J.H.); (M.C.F.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Thomas R. Rogers
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, St. James’ Hospital Campus, Trinity College Dublin, D08 NHY1 Dublin, Ireland; (T.R.R.); (A.F.T.); (M.M.); (D.S.)
| | - Paul E. Verweij
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
- Radboudumc-CWZ Center of Expertise for Mycology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Diagnostics and Laboratory Surveillance, National for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands;
| | - Alireza Abdolrasouli
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London W2 1NY, UK;
- Department of Infectious Diseases, King’s College Hospital, London SE5 9RS, UK
| | - Silke Schelenz
- Infection Sciences, King’s College Hospital, London SE5 9RS, UK;
- School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Samuel J. Hemmings
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK; (J.R.); (S.J.H.); (M.C.F.)
| | - Alida Fe Talento
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, St. James’ Hospital Campus, Trinity College Dublin, D08 NHY1 Dublin, Ireland; (T.R.R.); (A.F.T.); (M.M.); (D.S.)
- Department of Microbiology, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, A92 VW28 Drogheda, Ireland
- Department of Microbiology, Royal College of Surgeons, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Auveen Griffin
- Department of Microbiology, St. James’ Hospital, D08 NHY1 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Mary Mansfield
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, St. James’ Hospital Campus, Trinity College Dublin, D08 NHY1 Dublin, Ireland; (T.R.R.); (A.F.T.); (M.M.); (D.S.)
| | - David Sheehan
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, St. James’ Hospital Campus, Trinity College Dublin, D08 NHY1 Dublin, Ireland; (T.R.R.); (A.F.T.); (M.M.); (D.S.)
| | - Thijs Bosch
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Diagnostics and Laboratory Surveillance, National for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands;
| | - Matthew C. Fisher
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK; (J.R.); (S.J.H.); (M.C.F.)
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Zhang Y, Wang S, Zhou C, Zhang Y, Pan J, Pan B, Wang B, Hu B, Guo W. Epidemiology of Clinically Significant Aspergillus Species from a Large Tertiary Hospital in Shanghai, China, for the Period of Two Years. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:4645-4657. [PMID: 37484905 PMCID: PMC10361289 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s417840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Aspergillus species are becoming a major public health concern worldwide due to the increase in the incidence of aspergillosis and emergence of antifungal resistance. In this study, we surveyed all Aspergillus species isolated from aspergillosis patients in Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, China, from 2019 to 2021. Methods We characterized the susceptibility profiles of these Aspergillus species to medical azoles (voriconazole, itraconazole and posaconazole) using YeastOneTM broth microdilution system. To determine the underlying antifungal resistance mechanisms in azole-resistant A. fumigatus (ARAf) isolates, we characterized mutations in the cyp51A gene. Genotypic diversity of sampled A. fumigatus was investigated using CSP-typing. Results A total of 112 Aspergillus isolates (81 A. fumigatus, 17 A. flavus, 5 A. niger, 2 A. terreus, 2 A. lentulus, 2 A. oryzae, 1 A. nidulans, 1 A. versicolor and 1 A. sydowii) from 105 patients diagnosed with aspergillosis (including proven or probable invasive aspergillosis, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and cutaneous aspergillosis) were obtained. Eight isolates (7 A. fumigatus and 1 A. niger) from seven patients were either azole non-susceptible or non-wild type. Azole non-susceptible or non-wild type rate was 7.1%/isolate and 6.7%/patient analysed. Four ARAf harbored TR34/L98H mutation, whereas one carried TR46/Y121F/T289A allele. The 81 A. fumigatus isolates were spread across 8 CSP types with t01 to be the predominant type (53.1%). ARAf isolates were distributed over CSP types t01, t02, t04A and t11. Conclusion Results from this study provided us with an understanding of the antifungal resistance and related characteristics of Aspergillus species in Eastern China. Further comparisons of our results with those in other countries reflect potential clonal expansion of A. fumigatus in our region. Further surveillance study is warranted to guide antifungal therapy and for epidemiological purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyi Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Suzhen Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunmei Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jue Pan
- Department of Infectious Disease, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Baishen Pan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Beili Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bijie Hu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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Stewart AG, Isler B, Simos P, Farquhar D, George N, Golmayo M, Heney C. Aspergillus Species Causing Invasive Fungal Disease in Queensland, Australia. Mycopathologia 2023:10.1007/s11046-023-00713-5. [PMID: 37067664 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-023-00713-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aspergillus species are important causes of invasive fungal disease, particularly among those with an impaired immune system. Increasing reports have revealed a rising incidence of antifungal drug resistance among Aspergillus spp., particularly among cryptic species. Understanding local antifungal susceptibility patterns is paramount to delivering optimal clinical care. METHODS Aspergillus spp. recovered from clinical specimens between 2000 and 2021 from Pathology Queensland were collected. Aspergillus spp. were identified routinely morphologically, and where there was ambiguity or a lack of sporulation, by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. All Aspergillus spp. that underwent antifungal susceptibility testing according to the CLSI M38-A3 method and were recorded and included in the study. Amphotericin B, voriconazole, posaconazole, isavuconazole, micafungin, caspofungin, and anidulafungin were tested. Pathology Queensland services all public healthcare facilities in Queensland, Australia. RESULTS 236 Aspergillus spp. were identified from clinical specimens during the study period. The most frequent species identified were Aspergillus section Fumigati (n = 119), Aspergillus section Flavi (n = 35), Aspergillus terreus (n = 32) and Aspergillus niger (n = 29). Overall, MIC50/90 values for voriconazole, posaconazole, itraconazole, and isavuconazole were 0.25/1, 0.25/0.5, 0.25/0.5, and 0.5/2 mg/L respectively. Echinocandins demonstrated low MIC values overall with micafungin and anidulafungin both having an MIC50/90 of 0.015/0.03 mg/L. A total of 15 cryptic species were identified; high triazole MIC values were observed with a voriconazole MIC50/90 of 2/8 mg/L. From 2017 to 2021 we observed an increase in incidence of isolates with high voriconazole MIC values. There was no difference in voriconazole MIC values between Aspergillus spp. acquired in North Queensland when compared to Southeast Queensland, Australia. CONCLUSION Increasing reports of antifungal resistance among Aspergillus spp. is concerning and warrants further investigation both locally and worldwide. Active surveillance of both the emergence of different Aspergillus spp. and changes in antifungal susceptibility patterns over time is crucial to informing clinicians and treatment guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam G Stewart
- Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Campus, Brisbane, Australia.
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.
- Central Microbiology, Pathology Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Burcu Isler
- Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Campus, Brisbane, Australia
- Infection Management Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter Simos
- Infection Management Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Drew Farquhar
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Narelle George
- Central Microbiology, Pathology Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mila Golmayo
- Central Microbiology, Pathology Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Claire Heney
- Central Microbiology, Pathology Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Abstract
Isavuconazole is the newest of the clinically available advanced generation triazole antifungals and is active against a variety of yeasts, molds, and dimorphic fungi. Its current FDA-approved indications include the management of invasive aspergillosis as well as mucormycosis, though the latter indication is supported by limited clinical data. Isavuconazole did not achieve noninferiority to caspofungin for the treatment of invasive candidiasis and therefore lacks an FDA-approved indication for this invasive disease. Significant advantages of isavuconazole, primarily over voriconazole but in some circumstances posaconazole as well, make it an appealing option for the management of complex patients with invasive fungal infections. These potential advantages include lack of QTc interval prolongation, more predictable pharmacokinetics, a less complicated drug interaction profile, and improved tolerability, particularly when compared to voriconazole. This review discusses these topics in addition to addressing the in vitro activity of the compound against a variety of fungi and provides insight into other distinguishing factors among isavuconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole. The review concludes with an opinion section in which the authors provide the reader with a framework for the current role of isavuconazole in the antifungal armamentarium and where further data are required.
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Amona MF, Oladele RO, Resendiz-Sharpe A, Denning DW, Kosmidis C, Lagrou K, Zhong H, Han L. Triazole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus isolates in Africa: a systematic review. Med Mycol 2022; 60:6652216. [PMID: 35906879 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myac059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Emergence of triazole resistance has been observed in Aspergillus fumigatus over the past decade including in Africa. This review summarizes the current published data on the epidemiology and reported mechanisms of triazole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus (TRAF) in both environmental and clinical isolates from Africa. Searches on databases Medline, PubMed, HINARI, Science Direct, Scopus and Google Scholar on triazole resistance published between 2000 and 2021 from Africa were performed. Isolate source, antifungal susceptibility using internationally recognized methods, cyp51A mechanism of resistance and genotype were collected. Eleven published African studies were found that fitted the search criteria; these were subsequently analyzed. In total this constituted of 1686 environmental and 46 clinical samples. A TRAF prevalence of 17.1% (66/387) and 1,3% (5/387) was found in respectively environmental and clinical settings in African studies. Resistant to itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole was documented. Most of the triazole-resistant isolates (30/71, 42.25%) were found to possess the TR34/L98H mutation in the cyp51A-gene; fewer with TR46/Y121F/T289A (n = 8), F46Y/M172V/E427K (n = 1), G54E (n = 13), and M172V (n = 1) mutations. African isolates with the TR34/L98H, TR46/Y121F/T289A and the G54E mutations were closely related and could be grouped in one of two clusters (cluster-B), whereas the cyp51A-M172V mutation clustered with most cyp51A- WT strains (cluster-A). A single case from Kenya shows that TR34/L98H from environmental and clinical isolates are closely related. Our findings highlight that triazole resistance in environmental and clinical A. fumigatus is a cause for concern in a number of African countries. There is need for epidemiological surveillance to determine the true burden of the problem in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Modeste Fructueux Amona
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.,Research Center and Study of Infectious and Tropical Pathologies, Oyo, Republic of Congo
| | - Rita Okeoghene Oladele
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Agustin Resendiz-Sharpe
- Department of Microbiology, Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology and Mycology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Imaging and Pathology, Biomedical MRI, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - David W Denning
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, the University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Kosmidis
- National Aspergillosis Centre, Manchester University Foundation Trust, UK, and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, the University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Katrien Lagrou
- Department of Microbiology, Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology and Mycology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and National Reference Center for Mycosis, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hanying Zhong
- Department for Disinfection and Infection Control, Chinese PLA Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Li Han
- Department for Disinfection and Infection Control, Chinese PLA Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
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9
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Rivelli Zea SM, Toyotome T. Azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus as an emerging worldwide pathogen. Microbiol Immunol 2021; 66:135-144. [PMID: 34870333 DOI: 10.1111/1348-0421.12957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus, a ubiquitous pathogen, causes aspergillosis in humans, especially in immunodeficient patients. Azoles are frontline antifungal drugs for treating aspergillosis. The recent global emergence of azole resistance in A. fumigatus has become a serious problem worldwide. It has arisen through two routes: long-term azole medical therapy, called the patient route, and the use of azole fungicides in its habitats especially for agricultural activities, called the environmental route. Resistant strains developed through the latter route show cross-resistance to medical azoles because of the identical molecular target Cyp51A between azole compounds used for medical treatment and agricultural disease control. In azole-resistant strains arising through the environmental route, A. fumigatus is observed frequently possessing mutations in the cyp51A gene linked to tandem repeats in the promoter region such as TR34 /L98H and TR46 /Y121F/T289A. Results of microsatellite genotyping analyses of resistant A. fumigatus strains have suggested a transboundary spread of this microorganism in many countries. Diverse actors are involved in the global highway of transmission. Therefore, the matter must be addressed as a "One Health" issue. This review presents a background of azole resistance in A. fumigatus and introduces newly discovered difficulties generated as this pathogen spreads worldwide. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Takahito Toyotome
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine.,Diagnostic Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine.,Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University
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10
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Bastos RW, Rossato L, Goldman GH, Santos DA. Fungicide effects on human fungal pathogens: Cross-resistance to medical drugs and beyond. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1010073. [PMID: 34882756 PMCID: PMC8659312 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are underestimated threats that affect over 1 billion people, and Candida spp., Cryptococcus spp., and Aspergillus spp. are the 3 most fatal fungi. The treatment of these infections is performed with a limited arsenal of antifungal drugs, and the class of the azoles is the most used. Although these drugs present low toxicity for the host, there is an emergence of therapeutic failure due to azole resistance. Drug resistance normally develops in patients undergoing azole long-term therapy, when the fungus in contact with the drug can adapt and survive. Conversely, several reports have been showing that resistant isolates are also recovered from patients with no prior history of azole therapy, suggesting that other routes might be driving antifungal resistance. Intriguingly, antifungal resistance also happens in the environment since resistant strains have been isolated from plant materials, soil, decomposing matter, and compost, where important human fungal pathogens live. As the resistant fungi can be isolated from the environment, in places where agrochemicals are extensively used in agriculture and wood industry, the hypothesis that fungicides could be driving and selecting resistance mechanism in nature, before the contact of the fungus with the host, has gained more attention. The effects of fungicide exposure on fungal resistance have been extensively studied in Aspergillus fumigatus and less investigated in other human fungal pathogens. Here, we discuss not only classic and recent studies showing that environmental azole exposure selects cross-resistance to medical azoles in A. fumigatus, but also how this phenomenon affects Candida and Cryptococcus, other 2 important human fungal pathogens found in the environment. We also examine data showing that fungicide exposure can select relevant changes in the morphophysiology and virulence of those pathogens, suggesting that its effect goes beyond the cross-resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael W. Bastos
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto-SP, Brazil
| | - Luana Rossato
- Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados-MS, Brazil
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto-SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel A. Santos
- Laboratory of Mycology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
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11
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Doughty KJ, Sierotzki H, Semar M, Goertz A. Selection and Amplification of Fungicide Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus in Relation to DMI Fungicide Use in Agronomic Settings: Hotspots versus Coldspots. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2439. [PMID: 34946041 PMCID: PMC8704312 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous saprophytic fungus. Inhalation of A. fumigatus spores can lead to Invasive Aspergillosis (IA) in people with weakened immune systems. The use of triazole antifungals with the demethylation inhibitor (DMI) mode of action to treat IA is being hampered by the spread of DMI-resistant "ARAf" (azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus) genotypes. DMIs are also used in the environment, for example, as fungicides to protect yield and quality in agronomic settings, which may lead to exposure of A. fumigatus to DMI residues. An agronomic setting can be a "hotspot" for ARAf if it provides a suitable substrate and favourable conditions for the growth of A. fumigatus in the presence of DMI fungicides at concentrations capable of selecting ARAf genotypes at the expense of the susceptible wild-type, followed by the release of predominantly resistant spores. Agronomic settings that do not provide these conditions are considered "coldspots". Identifying and mitigating hotspots will be key to securing the agronomic use of DMIs without compromising their use in medicine. We provide a review of studies of the prevalence of ARAf in various agronomic settings and discuss the mitigation options for confirmed hotspots, particularly those relating to the management of crop waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J. Doughty
- Bayer AG, Alfred Nobel Strasse 50, 40789 Monheim-am-Rhein, Germany;
| | - Helge Sierotzki
- Syngenta Crop Protection, Schaffhauserstrasse 101, 4332 Stein, Switzerland;
| | - Martin Semar
- BASF SE, Speyerer Strasse 2, 67117 Limburgerhof, Germany;
| | - Andreas Goertz
- Bayer AG, Alfred Nobel Strasse 50, 40789 Monheim-am-Rhein, Germany;
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12
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Fraaije BA, Atkins SL, Santos RF, Hanley SJ, West JS, Lucas JA. Epidemiological Studies of Pan-Azole Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus Populations Sampled during Tulip Cultivation Show Clonal Expansion with Acquisition of Multi-Fungicide Resistance as Potential Driver. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2379. [PMID: 34835504 PMCID: PMC8618125 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pan-azole resistant isolates are found in clinical and environmental Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) populations. Azole resistance can evolve in both settings, with Af directly targeted by antifungals in patients and, in the environment, Af unintendedly exposed to fungicides used for material preservation and plant disease control. Resistance to non-azole fungicides, including methyl benzimidazole carbamates (MBCs), quinone outside inhibitors (QoIs) and succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs), has recently been reported. These fungicide groups are not used in medicine but can play an important role in the further spread of pan-azole resistant genotypes. We investigated the multi-fungicide resistance status and the genetic diversity of Af populations sampled from tulip field soils, tulip peel waste and flower compost heaps using fungicide sensitivity testing and a range of genotyping tools, including STRAf typing and sequencing of fungicide resistant alleles. Two major clones were present in the tulip bulb population. Comparisons with clinical isolates and literature data revealed that several common clonal lineages of TR34/L98H and TR46/Y121F/T289A strains that have expanded successfully in the environment have also acquired resistance to MBC, QoI and/or SDHI fungicides. Strains carrying multiple fungicide resistant alleles have a competitive advantage in environments where residues of multiple fungicides belonging to different modes of action are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart A. Fraaije
- NIAB, Cambridge CB3 0LE, UK;
- Rothamsted Research, Harpenden AL5 2Q, UK; (S.J.H.); (J.S.W.); (J.A.L.)
| | | | - Ricardo F. Santos
- Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba 13418-900, SP, Brazil;
| | - Steven J. Hanley
- Rothamsted Research, Harpenden AL5 2Q, UK; (S.J.H.); (J.S.W.); (J.A.L.)
| | - Jonathan S. West
- Rothamsted Research, Harpenden AL5 2Q, UK; (S.J.H.); (J.S.W.); (J.A.L.)
| | - John A. Lucas
- Rothamsted Research, Harpenden AL5 2Q, UK; (S.J.H.); (J.S.W.); (J.A.L.)
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13
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Fan Y, Korfanty GA, Xu J. Genetic Analyses of Amphotericin B Susceptibility in Aspergillus fumigatus. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:860. [PMID: 34682281 PMCID: PMC8538161 DOI: 10.3390/jof7100860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous saprophytic mold that can cause a range of clinical syndromes, from allergic reactions to invasive infections. Amphotericin B (AMB) is a polyene antifungal drug that has been used to treat a broad range of systemic mycoses since 1958, including as a primary treatment option against invasive aspergillosis in regions with high rates (≥10%) of environmental triazole resistance. However, cases of AMB-resistant A. fumigatus strains have been increasingly documented over the years, and high resistance rates were recently reported in Brazil and Canada. The objective of this study is to identify candidate mutations associated with AMB susceptibility using a genome-wide association analysis of natural strains, and to further investigate a subset of the mutations in their putative associations with differences in AMB minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and in growths at different AMB concentrations through the analysis of progeny from a laboratory genetic cross. Together, our results identified a total of 34 candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with AMB MIC differences-comprising 18 intergenic variants, 14 missense variants, one synonymous variant, and one non-coding transcript variant. Importantly, progeny from the genetic cross allowed us to identify putative SNP-SNP interactions impacting progeny growth at different AMB concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (Y.F.); (G.A.K.)
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14
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Otu A, Osaigbovo I, Orefuwa E, Ebenso B, Ojumu T. Collaborative One Health approaches can mitigate increasing azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in Africa. THE LANCET MICROBE 2021; 2:e490-e491. [DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(21)00218-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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15
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Tava V, Prigitano A, Cortesi P, Esposto MC, Pasquali M. Fusarium musae from Diseased Bananas and Human Patients: Susceptibility to Fungicides Used in Clinical and Agricultural Settings. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7090784. [PMID: 34575822 PMCID: PMC8467134 DOI: 10.3390/jof7090784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusarium musae belongs to the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex. It causes crown rot disease in banana but also keratitis and skin infections as well as systemic infections in immunocompromised patients. Antifungal treatments in clinical and agricultural settings rely mostly on molecules belonging to the azole class. Given the potential risk of pathogen spread from food to clinical settings, the goal of the work was to define the level of susceptibility to different azoles of a worldwide population of F. musae. Eight fungicides used in agriculture and five antifungals used in clinical settings (4 azoles and amphotericin B) were tested using the CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) protocol methodology on 19 F. musae strains collected from both infected patients and bananas. The level of susceptibility to the different active molecules was not dependent on the source of isolation with the exception of fenbuconazole and difenoconazole which had a higher efficiency on banana-isolated strains. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the different molecules ranged from 0.12–0.25 mg/L for prochloraz to more than 16 mg/L for tetraconazole and fenbuconazole. Compared to the F. verticillioides, F. musae MICs were higher suggesting the importance of monitoring the potential future spread of this species also in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Tava
- Dipartimento di Scienze per gli Alimenti, la Nutrizione e l’Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (V.T.); (P.C.)
| | - Anna Prigitano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (A.P.); (M.C.E.)
| | - Paolo Cortesi
- Dipartimento di Scienze per gli Alimenti, la Nutrizione e l’Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (V.T.); (P.C.)
| | - Maria Carmela Esposto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (A.P.); (M.C.E.)
| | - Matias Pasquali
- Dipartimento di Scienze per gli Alimenti, la Nutrizione e l’Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (V.T.); (P.C.)
- Correspondence:
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16
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Campbell CA, Osaigbovo II, Oladele RO. Triazole susceptibility of Aspergillus species: environmental survey in Lagos, Nigeria and review of the rest of Africa. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2021; 8:20499361211044330. [PMID: 34532039 PMCID: PMC8438939 DOI: 10.1177/20499361211044330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Triazole resistance is an emerging problem in the management of human aspergillosis globally and can arise in Aspergillus species which have been exposed to azole fungicides in the environment. We surveyed local government and council development areas in Lagos, Nigeria, to determine the distribution of Aspergillus species in the environment and their susceptibility to locally available triazole antifungal agents. We also reviewed the literature on the subject from the rest of Africa. Methods: A total of 168 soil samples from six locations in Lagos, Nigeria were processed and cultured on Saboraud dextrose agar impregnated with chloramphenicol to isolate Aspergillus species. Isolates were tested for susceptibility to itraconazole and voriconazole by microbroth dilution according to the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing reference method. Relevant databases were searched to identify published work pertaining to triazole susceptibility of Aspergillus species in Africa. Results: A total of 117 Aspergillus species were isolated. Aspergillus niger was the most frequently isolated species (42.7%). Other species isolated were Aspergillus flavus, 37 (31.6%), Aspergillus terreus, 20 (17.1%), Aspergillus fumigatus, 5 (4.3%) and Aspergillus nidulans, 5 (4.3%). All isolates were susceptible to itraconazole and voriconazole. The literature review showed documented evidence of triazole-resistant Aspergillus species from East and West Africa. Conclusions: We found no triazole resistance in environmental isolates of Aspergillus in Lagos, Nigeria. Nevertheless, regular surveillance in clinical and environmental isolates is necessary in the light of findings from other African studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Abosede Campbell
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - Rita Okeoghene Oladele
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria
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17
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Arastehfar A, Carvalho A, Houbraken J, Lombardi L, Garcia-Rubio R, Jenks J, Rivero-Menendez O, Aljohani R, Jacobsen I, Berman J, Osherov N, Hedayati M, Ilkit M, Armstrong-James D, Gabaldón T, Meletiadis J, Kostrzewa M, Pan W, Lass-Flörl C, Perlin D, Hoenigl M. Aspergillus fumigatus and aspergillosis: From basics to clinics. Stud Mycol 2021; 100:100115. [PMID: 34035866 PMCID: PMC8131930 DOI: 10.1016/j.simyco.2021.100115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The airborne fungus Aspergillus fumigatus poses a serious health threat to humans by causing numerous invasive infections and a notable mortality in humans, especially in immunocompromised patients. Mould-active azoles are the frontline therapeutics employed to treat aspergillosis. The global emergence of azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates in clinic and environment, however, notoriously limits the therapeutic options of mould-active antifungals and potentially can be attributed to a mortality rate reaching up to 100 %. Although specific mutations in CYP 51A are the main cause of azole resistance, there is a new wave of azole-resistant isolates with wild-type CYP 51A genotype challenging the efficacy of the current diagnostic tools. Therefore, applications of whole-genome sequencing are increasingly gaining popularity to overcome such challenges. Prominent echinocandin tolerance, as well as liver and kidney toxicity posed by amphotericin B, necessitate a continuous quest for novel antifungal drugs to combat emerging azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates. Animal models and the tools used for genetic engineering require further refinement to facilitate a better understanding about the resistance mechanisms, virulence, and immune reactions orchestrated against A. fumigatus. This review paper comprehensively discusses the current clinical challenges caused by A. fumigatus and provides insights on how to address them.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Arastehfar
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, 07110, USA
| | - A. Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - J. Houbraken
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - L. Lombardi
- UCD Conway Institute and School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - R. Garcia-Rubio
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, 07110, USA
| | - J.D. Jenks
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, 92103, USA
- Clinical and Translational Fungal-Working Group, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - O. Rivero-Menendez
- Medical Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, 28222, Spain
| | - R. Aljohani
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - I.D. Jacobsen
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology—Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
- Institute for Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - J. Berman
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology—Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - N. Osherov
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine Ramat-Aviv, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - M.T. Hedayati
- Invasive Fungi Research Center/Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - M. Ilkit
- Division of Mycology, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Çukurova University, 01330, Adana, Turkey
| | | | - T. Gabaldón
- Life Sciences Programme, Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS), Jordi Girona, Barcelona, 08034, Spain
- Mechanisms of Disease Programme, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J. Meletiadis
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Attikon University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - W. Pan
- Medical Mycology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - C. Lass-Flörl
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - D.S. Perlin
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, 07110, USA
| | - M. Hoenigl
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, 92103, USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036, Graz, Austria
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
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18
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Mshana SE, Sindato C, Matee MI, Mboera LEG. Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Agriculture and Food Production Systems in Africa: A Systematic Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:976. [PMID: 34439026 PMCID: PMC8389036 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10080976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In Africa, there is dearth of information on antimicrobial use (AMU) in agriculture and food production systems and its consequential resistance in pathogens that affect animal, human and environmental health. Data published between 1980 and 2021 on the magnitude of AMU and AMR in agriculture and food productions systems in Africa were reviewed. Data from 13-27 countries in Africa indicate that 3558-4279 tonnes of antimicrobials were used in animals from 2015 to 2019. Tetracyclines and polypeptides contributed the largest proportion of antimicrobials used. Cattle and poultry production account for the largest consumption of antimicrobials in Africa. Although limited studies have reported AMR in crops, fish and beekeeping, AMR from a variety of farm animals has been substantially documented in Africa. Some countries in Africa have developed policies/plans to address AMU and AMR in agriculture and food production systems; however, their enforcement is challenged by weak regulations. In conclusion, although there is limited information on the quantities of antimicrobials used in agriculture and food production system, the levels of AMR are high. There is a need to strengthen regulatory authorities with a capacity to monitor AMU in agriculture and food production systems in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen E. Mshana
- SACIDS Foundation for One Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro 65125, Tanzania; (S.E.M.); (C.S.); (M.I.M.)
- Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 1424, Mwanza 33109, Tanzania
| | - Calvin Sindato
- SACIDS Foundation for One Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro 65125, Tanzania; (S.E.M.); (C.S.); (M.I.M.)
- National Institute for Medical Research, P.O. Box 482, Tabora 45026, Tanzania
| | - Mecky I. Matee
- SACIDS Foundation for One Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro 65125, Tanzania; (S.E.M.); (C.S.); (M.I.M.)
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65001, Dar es Salaam 11103, Tanzania
| | - Leonard E. G. Mboera
- SACIDS Foundation for One Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro 65125, Tanzania; (S.E.M.); (C.S.); (M.I.M.)
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19
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Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus Clinical Isolate Screening in Azole-Containing Agar Plates (EUCAST E.Def 10.1): Low Impact of Plastic Trays Used and Poor Performance in Cryptic Species. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:e0048221. [PMID: 34252311 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00482-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Azole-containing agar is used in routine Aspergillus fumigatus azole resistance screening. We evaluated the impact of the type of plastic used to prepare in-house agar plates on the procedure's performance against A. fumigatus sensu stricto and cryptic species. A. fumigatus sensu stricto (n = 91) and cryptic species (n = 52) were classified as susceptible or resistant (EUCAST E.Def 9.3.2; clinical breakpoints v10). In-house azole-containing agar plates were prepared following EUCAST E.Def 10.1 on three types of multidish plates. We assessed the sensitivity, specificity, and agreement values of the agar plates to screen for azole resistance. Overall, sensitivity and specificity values of the agar screening method were 100% and 93.3%, respectively. The type of tray used did not affect these values. All isolates harboring TR34-L98H substitutions were classified as resistant to itraconazole and voriconazole by the agar method; however, false susceptibility (very major error) to posaconazole was not uncommon and happened in isolates with posaconazole MICs of 0.25 mg/liter. Isolates harboring G54R and TR46-Y121F-T289A substitutions were correctly classified by the agar method as itraconazole/posaconazole resistant and voriconazole resistant, respectively. False resistance (major error) occurred in isolates showing tiny fungal growth. Finally, agreements between both procedures against cryptic species were much lower. Azole-containing agar plates are a convenient and reliable tool to screen for resistance in A. fumigatus sensu stricto; the type of plastic tray used minimally affects the method. On the contrary, the performance against cryptic species is rather poor.
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20
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Duong TMN, Le TV, Tran KLH, Nguyen PT, Nguyen BPT, Nguyen TA, Nguyen HLP, Nguyen BNT, Fisher MC, Rhodes J, Marks G, Fox GJ, Chen SCA, Walsh MG, Barrs VR, Talbot J, Halliday CL, Sorrell TC, Day JN, Beardsley J. Azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus is highly prevalent in the environment of Vietnam, with marked variability by land use type. Environ Microbiol 2021; 23:7632-7642. [PMID: 34232541 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Azole-resistant environmental Aspergillus fumigatus presents a threat to public health but the extent of this threat in Southeast Asia is poorly described. We conducted environmental surveillance in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, collecting air and ground samples across key land-use types, and determined antifungal susceptibilities of Aspergillus section Fumigati (ASF) isolates and azole concentrations in soils. Of 119 ASF isolates, 55% were resistant (or non-wild type) to itraconazole, 65% to posaconazole and 50% to voriconazole. Azole resistance was more frequent in A. fumigatus sensu stricto isolates (95%) than other ASF species (32%). Resistant isolates and agricultural azole residues were overrepresented in samples from cultivated land. cyp51A gene sequence analysis showed 38/56 resistant A. fumigatus sensu stricto isolates carried known resistance mutations, with TR34 /L98H most frequent (34/38).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tra-My N Duong
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2145, Australia.,Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, 70000, Vietnam
| | - Thanh-Van Le
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, 70000, Vietnam
| | - Khanh-Linh H Tran
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, 70000, Vietnam
| | | | | | - Thu-Anh Nguyen
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
| | | | - Bich-Ngoc T Nguyen
- National Lung Hospital, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam.,Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
| | - Matthew C Fisher
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London, W2 1NY, UK
| | - Johanna Rhodes
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London, W2 1NY, UK
| | - Guy Marks
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
| | - Greg J Fox
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2145, Australia.,Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
| | - Sharon C-A Chen
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2145, Australia.,Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, NSW Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, 2145, Australia
| | - Michael G Walsh
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2145, Australia.,Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2145, Australia
| | - Vanessa R Barrs
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2145, Australia.,Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Jessica Talbot
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2145, Australia
| | - Catriona L Halliday
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2145, Australia.,Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, NSW Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, 2145, Australia
| | - Tania C Sorrell
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2145, Australia.,Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2145, Australia.,Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, Sydney, 2145, Australia
| | - Jeremy N Day
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, 70000, Vietnam.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Justin Beardsley
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2145, Australia.,Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, 70000, Vietnam.,Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2145, Australia.,Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, Sydney, 2145, Australia
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21
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Burks C, Darby A, Gómez Londoño L, Momany M, Brewer MT. Azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in the environment: Identifying key reservoirs and hotspots of antifungal resistance. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009711. [PMID: 34324607 PMCID: PMC8321103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic human pathogen that causes aspergillosis, a spectrum of environmentally acquired respiratory illnesses. It has a cosmopolitan distribution and exists in the environment as a saprotroph on decaying plant matter. Azoles, which target Cyp51A in the ergosterol synthesis pathway, are the primary class of drugs used to treat aspergillosis. Azoles are also used to combat plant pathogenic fungi. Recently, an increasing number of azole-naive patients have presented with pan-azole-resistant strains of A. fumigatus. The TR34/L98H and TR46/Y121F/T289A alleles in the cyp51A gene are the most common ones conferring pan-azole resistance. There is evidence that these mutations arose in agricultural settings; therefore, numerous studies have been conducted to identify azole resistance in environmental A. fumigatus and to determine where resistance is developing in the environment. Here, we summarize the global occurrence of azole-resistant A. fumigatus in the environment based on available literature. Additionally, we have created an interactive world map showing where resistant isolates have been detected and include information on the specific alleles identified, environmental settings, and azole fungicide use. Azole-resistant A. fumigatus has been found on every continent, except for Antarctica, with the highest number of reports from Europe. Developed environments, specifically hospitals and gardens, were the most common settings where azole-resistant A. fumigatus was detected, followed by soils sampled from agricultural settings. The TR34/L98H resistance allele was the most common in all regions except South America where the TR46/Y121F/T289A allele was the most common. A major consideration in interpreting this survey of the literature is sampling bias; regions and environments that have been extensively sampled are more likely to show greater azole resistance even though resistance could be more prevalent in areas that are under-sampled or not sampled at all. Increased surveillance to pinpoint reservoirs, as well as antifungal stewardship, is needed to preserve this class of antifungals for crop protection and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Burks
- Plant Pathology Department and Fungal Biology Group, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Alexandria Darby
- Plant Pathology Department and Fungal Biology Group, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Luisa Gómez Londoño
- Plant Pathology Department and Fungal Biology Group, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Michelle Momany
- Plant Biology Department and Fungal Biology Group, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Marin T. Brewer
- Plant Pathology Department and Fungal Biology Group, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
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22
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Wu CJ, Liu WL, Lai CC, Chao CM, Ko WC, Wang HC, Dai CT, Hsieh MI, Choi PC, Yang JL, Chen YC. Multicenter Study of Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus Clinical Isolates, Taiwan 1. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 26:804-806. [PMID: 32186508 PMCID: PMC7101115 DOI: 10.3201/eid2604.190840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In a multicenter study, we determined a prevalence rate of 4% for azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in Taiwan. Resistance emerged mainly from the environment (TR34/L98H, TR34/L98H/S297T/F495I, and TR46/Y121F/T289A mutations) but occasionally during azole treatment. A high mortality rate observed for azole-resistant aspergillosis necessitates diagnostic stewardship in healthcare and antifungal stewardship in the environment.
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23
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Toda M, Beer KD, Kuivila KM, Chiller TM, Jackson BR. Trends in Agricultural Triazole Fungicide Use in the United States, 1992-2016 and Possible Implications for Antifungal-Resistant Fungi in Human Disease. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:55001. [PMID: 33949891 PMCID: PMC8098123 DOI: 10.1289/ehp7484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fungus Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) is the leading cause of invasive mold infections, which cause severe disease and death in immunocompromised people. Use of triazole antifungal medications in recent decades has improved patient survival; however, triazole-resistant infections have become common in parts of Europe and are emerging in the United States. Triazoles are also a class of fungicides used in plant agriculture, and certain triazole-resistant A. fumigatus strains found causing disease in humans have been linked to environmental fungicide use. OBJECTIVES We examined U.S. temporal and geographic trends in the use of triazole fungicides using U.S. Geological Survey agricultural pesticide use estimates. DISCUSSION Based on our analysis, overall tonnage of triazole fungicide use nationwide was relatively constant during 1992-2005 but increased >4-fold during 2006-2016 to 2.9 million kg in 2016. During 1992-2005, triazole fungicide use occurred mostly in orchards and grapes, wheat, and other crops, but recent increases in use have occurred primarily in wheat, corn, soybeans, and other crops, particularly in Midwest and Southeast states. We conclude that, given the chemical similarities between triazole fungicides and triazole antifungal drugs used in human medicine, increased monitoring for environmental and clinical triazole resistance in A. fumigatus would improve overall understanding of these interactions, as well as help identify strategies to mitigate development and spread of resistance. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7484.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuru Toda
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Karlyn D. Beer
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kathryn M. Kuivila
- U.S. Geological Survey Oregon Water Science Center, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Tom M. Chiller
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Brendan R. Jackson
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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24
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Chen Y, Dong F, Zhao J, Fan H, Qin C, Li R, Verweij PE, Zheng Y, Han L. High Azole Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus Isolates from Strawberry Fields, China, 2018. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 26:81-89. [PMID: 31855142 PMCID: PMC6924917 DOI: 10.3201/eid2601.190885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2018, we conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate azole resistance in environmental Aspergillus fumigatus isolates obtained from different agricultural fields in China. Using 63 soil cores, we cultured for azole-resistant A. fumigatus and characterized isolates by their cyp51A gene type, short tandem repeat genotype, and mating type. Of 206 A. fumigatus isolates, 21 (10.2%) were azole resistant. Nineteen of 21 had mutations in their cyp51A gene (5 TR34/L98H, 8 TR34/L98H/S297T/F495I, 6 TR46/Y121F/T289A). Eighteen were cultured from soil samples acquired from strawberry fields, suggesting this soil type is a potential hotspot for azole resistance selection. Twenty resistant isolates were mating type MAT1-1, suggesting asexual sporulation contributed to their evolution. Prochloraz, difenoconazole, and tebuconazole were the most frequently detected fungicides in soil samples with azole-resistant fungus. Our study results suggest that managing the fungicides used in agriculture will help contain the problem of antifungal drug resistance in clinics.
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25
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Cao D, Wang F, Yu S, Dong S, Wu R, Cui N, Ren J, Xu T, Wang S, Wang M, Fang H, Yu Y. Prevalence of Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus is Highly Associated with Azole Fungicide Residues in the Fields. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:3041-3049. [PMID: 33544588 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c03958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Triazole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus is a growing public health concern. In addition to its emergence in the therapy of invasive aspergillosis by triazole medicines, it has been frequently detected in agricultural fields all over the world. Here, we explore the potential link between residues of azole fungicides with similar chemical structure to triazole medicines in soil and the emergence of resistant A. fumigatus (RAF) through 855 500 km2 monitoring survey in Eastern China covering 6 provinces. In total, 67.3%, 15.2%, 12.3%, 2.9%, 1.5%, 0.4%, and 0.3% of the soil samples contained these five fungicides (tebuconazole, difenoconazole, propiconazole, hexaconazole, and prochloraz) of 0-100, 100-200, 200-400, 400-600, 600-800, 800-1000, and >1000 ng/g, respectively. The fractions of samples containing RAF isolates were 2.4%, 5.2%, 6.4%, 7.7%, 7.4%, 14.3%, and 20.0% of the samples with total azole fungicide residues of 0-100, 100-200, 200-400, 400-600, 600-800, 800-1000, and >1000 ng/g, respectively. We find that the prevalence of RAFs is positively (P < 0.0001) correlated with residual levels of azole fungicides in soils. Our results suggest that the use of azole fungicides in agriculture should be minimized and the intervals between treatments expanded to reduce the selective pressure toward the development of resistance in A. fumigatus in agricultural fields.
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26
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First Investigative Study of Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in the Environment in Burkina Faso. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18052250. [PMID: 33668719 PMCID: PMC7956412 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus (ARAF) strains have been reported on all continents, however, limited data exist on these strains in Africa, while several factors, mainly environmental ones, suggest their presence on this continent. This study aimed to assess the environmental prevalence of ARAF strains in Burkina Faso, a country situated in the West African region where data on ARAF is non-existent. In total, 120 environmental samples (soil) were collected and analyzed. Samples were screened for resistance using three azole-containing agar plates; one without azole antifungal (growth control) and two supplemented with either itraconazole (4 mg/L) or voriconazole (2 mg/L). The EUCAST susceptibility testing method was used to confirm the azole-resistant phenotype of A. fumigatus sensu-stricto isolates. Mutations in the cyp51A gene were determined by sequencing. Of the 120 samples, 51 positive samples showed growth of A. fumigatus isolates on control medium. One ARAF (2%; 1/51) isolate was found amongst A. fumigatus positive samples and harbored the F46Y/M172V/E427K cyp51A mutations. No TR34/L98H or TR46/Y121F/T289A mutations were observed. Our study described the first A. fumigatus isolate resistant to an azole antifungal in Burkina Faso.
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27
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Sangaré I, Amona FM, Ouedraogo RWL, Zida A, Ouedraogo MS. Otomycosis in Africa: Epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment. J Mycol Med 2021; 31:101115. [PMID: 33516991 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2021.101115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This review sets out to highlighted knowledge gaps regarding the epidemiological, diagnostic (clinical and laboratory) and therapeutic aspects of otomycosis in Africa. A computerized literature search for otomycosis related articles were performed using MEDLINE. The search encompassed articles published in early January 1980 to May 2019 yielded 220 articles. Electronic search on PubMed was performed with the specific keywords. This review shows the higher prevalence rates of otomycosis in Africa. These prevalences varies from one country to the other and also from one population to another within the same country. The main symptoms are otalgia, otorrhea, hearing loss, aural fullness, pruritus, and tinnitus. Otomycosis is due to several predisposing factors, however, use of topical antibiotic/steroid eardrops, trauma to the external ear canal or instrumentation of the ear, being exposed to hot humid atmospheres, and close contact with water are the common risk factors. Aspergillus species are the most commonly identified organisms compared with Candida species. Worldwide, A. niger and C. albicans are the most commonly described agents of otomycosis in Africa. The Laboratory diagnosis of otomycosis is usually confirmed by mycologic tests relied on a set of evidences. Further conventional methods such as Chromagar Candida System, latex agglutination test, Biochemical tests (Api 20C AuxTM and auxanogram), phenotypical tests (Germ-tube and chlamydosporulation), and rRNA gene sequencing (PCR) are performed to improve diagnosis and the management of the disease. Adequate treatment of otomycosis includes microscopic suction clearance of fungal mass, discontinuation of topical antibiotics and treatment with antifungal eardrops for three weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Sangaré
- Institut Superieur des Sciences de la Santé, Université Nazi BONI, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso; Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Entomologie, Centre MURAZ, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso; Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Souro Sanou, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.
| | - Fructueux Modeste Amona
- Institut Superieur des Sciences de la Santé, Université Nazi BONI, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Adama Zida
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Yalgado Ouedraogo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
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28
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Assress HA, Selvarajan R, Nyoni H, Ogola HJO, Mamba BB, Msagati TAM. Azole antifungal resistance in fungal isolates from wastewater treatment plant effluents. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:3217-3229. [PMID: 32914303 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10688-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) can be significant sources of antifungal resistant fungi, which can disseminate further in the environment by getting into rivers together with effluents discharged from WWTPs and pose a risk for human health. In this study, the presence of azole resistance was determined in fungal isolates from treated effluents of two WWTPs using the standard microdilution method from Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). A total of 41 fungal isolates representing 23 fungal species and 16 fungal genera were obtained. Fungal genera related to the known human and/or plant pathogens such as Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Candida were detected. Among the observed species, the susceptibility of Aspergillus fumigatus and Fusarium oxysporum was tested against fluconazole (FCZ), ketoconazole (KTZ), itraconazole (ITZ), and voriconazole (VCZ). The isolate A. fumigatus was susceptible to KTZ, ITZ, and VCZ, while it showed resistance against FCZ. On the contrast, the isolate F. oxysporum showed resistance to KTZ, ITZ, and VCZ. Comparatively, VCZ showed highest activity against both A. fumigatus and F. oxysporum. Analysis of the gene Cyp51A for the A. fumigatus isolate showed no evidence of drug resistance that could be related to point mutations and/or tandem repeats in the gene. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first susceptibility test study on A. fumigatus and F. oxysporum isolates from the WWTPs of South Africa. In conclusion, this study indicated an urgent need for thorough investigation with larger group of fungal isolates from different regions of South Africa to broadly understand the role of WWTPs in the dissemination of azole antifungal drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailemariam Abrha Assress
- College of Science Engineering and Technology, Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability Research Unit, UNISA Science Campus, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, UNISA 0003, Florida-Park, Roodepoort, Johannesburg, 1709, South Africa
| | - Ramganesh Selvarajan
- College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, UNISA Science Campus, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, UNISA 0003, Florida, Johannesburg, 1709, South Africa
| | - Hlengilizwe Nyoni
- College of Science Engineering and Technology, Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability Research Unit, UNISA Science Campus, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, UNISA 0003, Florida-Park, Roodepoort, Johannesburg, 1709, South Africa
| | - Henry Joseph Oduor Ogola
- College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, UNISA Science Campus, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, UNISA 0003, Florida, Johannesburg, 1709, South Africa
| | - Bhekie B Mamba
- College of Science Engineering and Technology, Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability Research Unit, UNISA Science Campus, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, UNISA 0003, Florida-Park, Roodepoort, Johannesburg, 1709, South Africa
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Process/National Center for International Joint Research on Membrane Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300387, People's Republic of China
| | - Titus A M Msagati
- College of Science Engineering and Technology, Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability Research Unit, UNISA Science Campus, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, UNISA 0003, Florida-Park, Roodepoort, Johannesburg, 1709, South Africa.
- School of Life Sciences and Bio-Engineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, P O Box 447, Tengeru, Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania.
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29
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Xu Y, Chen M, Zhu J, Gerrits van den Ende B, Chen AJ, Al-Hatmi AMS, Li L, Zhang Q, Xu J, Liao W, Chen Y. Aspergillus Species in Lower Respiratory Tract of Hospitalized Patients from Shanghai, China: Species Diversity and Emerging Azole Resistance. Infect Drug Resist 2020; 13:4663-4672. [PMID: 33402838 PMCID: PMC7778383 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s281288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate species diversity and prevalence of antifungal resistance among clinical isolates of Aspergillus spp. in Shanghai, China. Patients and Methods In this study, the Aspergillus spp. isolates were analyzed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, and partial β-tubulin (BenA) and calmodulin (CaM) genes. The susceptibilities of these isolates to nine antifungal agents were determined according to the protocol in document M38-A3 established by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Results The most common Aspergillus spp. was A. fumigatus (58.2%), followed by the A. flavus complex (23.5%), and A. niger complex (15.3%). Isolates belonging to A. tamarii and A. effusus of the A. flavus complex and A. tubingensis and A. awamori of the A. niger complex were identified. Moreover, several mutations were found in the azole target cyp51A gene (TR46/Y121F/T289A and F46Y, G89G, M172V, N248T and D255E) in azole-resistant isolates of A. fumigatus. Conclusion The results of our study revealed a diversity of species in the lower respiratory tract of inpatients in Shanghai and approximately 9% of our isolates were resistant to at least one of the triazole antifungals. Formulation of local treatment strategies to combat emerging azole resistance and species diversity in clinically relevant Aspergillus spp. is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Xu
- Department of Dermatology, The Third People's Hospital of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Medical Mycology, ChangZheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Medical Mycology, ChangZheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Junhao Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Bert Gerrits van den Ende
- Department of Food and Indoor Mycology, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Amanda Juan Chen
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Abdullah M S Al-Hatmi
- Centre of Expertise in Mycology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Ministry of Health, Directorate General of Health Services, Ibri, Oman
| | - Li Li
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiangqiang Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Wanqing Liao
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Medical Mycology, ChangZheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuchong Chen
- Department of Dermatosurgery, Shanghai Skin Diseases Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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30
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Rosam K, Monk BC, Lackner M. Sterol 14α-Demethylase Ligand-Binding Pocket-Mediated Acquired and Intrinsic Azole Resistance in Fungal Pathogens. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 7:jof7010001. [PMID: 33374996 PMCID: PMC7822023 DOI: 10.3390/jof7010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The fungal cytochrome P450 enzyme sterol 14α-demethylase (SDM) is a key enzyme in the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway. The binding of azoles to the active site of SDM results in a depletion of ergosterol, the accumulation of toxic intermediates and growth inhibition. The prevalence of azole-resistant strains and fungi is increasing in both agriculture and medicine. This can lead to major yield loss during food production and therapeutic failure in medical settings. Diverse mechanisms are responsible for azole resistance. They include amino acid (AA) substitutions in SDM and overexpression of SDM and/or efflux pumps. This review considers AA affecting the ligand-binding pocket of SDMs with a primary focus on substitutions that affect interactions between the active site and the substrate and inhibitory ligands. Some of these interactions are particularly important for the binding of short-tailed azoles (e.g., voriconazole). We highlight the occurrence throughout the fungal kingdom of some key AA substitutions. Elucidation of the role of these AAs and their substitutions may assist drug design in overcoming some common forms of innate and acquired azole resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Rosam
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Schöpfstrasse 41, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Brian C. Monk
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute and Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, PO Box 56, 9054 Dunedin, New Zealand;
| | - Michaela Lackner
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Schöpfstrasse 41, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-512-003-70725
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31
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Duong TMN, Nguyen PT, Le TV, Nguyen HLP, Nguyen BNT, Nguyen BPT, Nguyen TA, Chen SCA, Barrs VR, Halliday CL, Sorrell TC, Day JN, Beardsley J. Drug-Resistant Aspergillus flavus Is Highly Prevalent in the Environment of Vietnam: A New Challenge for the Management of Aspergillosis? J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6040296. [PMID: 33217930 PMCID: PMC7711995 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The burden of aspergillosis, especially Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis, is increasingly recognized, and the increasing presence of azole-resistant environmental Aspergillus fumigatus has been highlighted as a health risk. However, a sizable minority of aspergillosis is caused by Aspergillus flavus, which is assumed to be sensitive to azoles but is infrequently included in surveillance. We conducted environmental sampling at 150 locations in a rural province of southern Vietnam. A. flavus isolates were identified morphologically, their identity was confirmed by sequencing of the beta-tubulin gene, and then they were tested for susceptibility to azoles and amphotericin B according to EUCAST methodologies. We found that over 85% of A. flavus isolates were resistant to at least one azole, and half of them were resistant to itraconazole. This unexpectedly high prevalence of resistance demands further investigation to determine whether it is linked to agricultural azole use, as has been described for A. fumigatus. Clinical correlation is required, so that guidelines can be adjusted to take this information into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tra My N. Duong
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2145, Australia; (T.M.N.D.); (T.A.N.); (S.C.-A.C.); (V.R.B.); (C.L.H.); (T.C.S.)
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam; (P.T.N.); (T.V.L.); (J.N.D.)
| | - Phuong Tuyen Nguyen
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam; (P.T.N.); (T.V.L.); (J.N.D.)
| | - Thanh Van Le
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam; (P.T.N.); (T.V.L.); (J.N.D.)
| | | | - Bich Ngoc T. Nguyen
- National Lung Hospital, Hanoi 10000, Vietnam;
- Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Department, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi 10000, Vietnam
| | | | - Thu Anh Nguyen
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2145, Australia; (T.M.N.D.); (T.A.N.); (S.C.-A.C.); (V.R.B.); (C.L.H.); (T.C.S.)
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Hanoi 10000, Vietnam;
| | - Sharon C.-A. Chen
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2145, Australia; (T.M.N.D.); (T.A.N.); (S.C.-A.C.); (V.R.B.); (C.L.H.); (T.C.S.)
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, NSW Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney 2145, Australia
| | - Vanessa R. Barrs
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2145, Australia; (T.M.N.D.); (T.A.N.); (S.C.-A.C.); (V.R.B.); (C.L.H.); (T.C.S.)
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Catriona L. Halliday
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2145, Australia; (T.M.N.D.); (T.A.N.); (S.C.-A.C.); (V.R.B.); (C.L.H.); (T.C.S.)
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, NSW Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney 2145, Australia
| | - Tania C. Sorrell
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2145, Australia; (T.M.N.D.); (T.A.N.); (S.C.-A.C.); (V.R.B.); (C.L.H.); (T.C.S.)
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, Sydney 2145, Australia
| | - Jeremy N. Day
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam; (P.T.N.); (T.V.L.); (J.N.D.)
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Justin Beardsley
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2145, Australia; (T.M.N.D.); (T.A.N.); (S.C.-A.C.); (V.R.B.); (C.L.H.); (T.C.S.)
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam; (P.T.N.); (T.V.L.); (J.N.D.)
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, Sydney 2145, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-8627-3402
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Cao D, Wu R, Dong S, Wang F, Ju C, Yu S, Xu S, Fang H, Yu Y. Triazole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus in crop plant soil after tebuconazole applications. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 266:115124. [PMID: 32673931 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is the primary agent of invasive aspergillosis (IA) causing high morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Triazole resistance in A. fumigatus and its sources have gained wide attention. For several years, environmental fungicides use has been proposed as the major cause for triazole resistance in A. fumigatus. However, there are few studies on azole-resistant A. fumigatus (ARAF) selected by triazole fungicides in agricultural systems. We studied the possible emergence of ARAF in the field after exposure to triazole fungicide tebuconazole. Our results showed that exposure to tebuconazole in soil selects for resistance to triazoles in A. fumigatus. The probability of ARAF developing in soils depends upon the concentrations of tebuconazole after application. We suggest that tebuconazole applications should be minimized to reduce selective pressure for the generation of ARAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duantao Cao
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ruilin Wu
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Suxia Dong
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Feiyan Wang
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Chao Ju
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Sumei Yu
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Shiji Xu
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Hua Fang
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yunlong Yu
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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van der Torre MH, Whitby C, Eades CP, Moore CB, Novak-Frazer L, Richardson MD, Rautemaa-Richardson R. Absence of Azole Antifungal Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus Isolated from Root Vegetables Harvested from UK Arable and Horticultural Soils. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:E208. [PMID: 33036151 PMCID: PMC7711775 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus (ARAf) complicates the treatment of aspergillosis and can nearly double the mortality from invasive aspergillosis (IA). ARAf has been isolated from many different environmental sites and indoor environments and thus presents a significant risk for susceptible patients. Local surveillance of environmental ARAf can guide antifungal prescribing and improve patient outcomes. In this study, seventy-four soils samples collected from the surface of a variety of root vegetables from farm shops and private gardens covering a wide geographical area of the UK, were cultured to assess the presence of A. fumigatus, and the prevalence and nature of any resistance mechanisms. A high-throughput in-house antifungal susceptibility screening method was developed and validated using the EUCAST MIC reference method, E.DEF 9.3.1. A total of 146 isolates were recovered and analysed. Even though the study premise was that soil-covered root vegetables and other fresh produce could represent a conduit for ARAf exposure in vulnerable patients, no ARAf were found in the soil samples despite 55% of samples harbouring A. fumigatus. The sample type and screening method used could be suitable for more extensive monitoring of the soil to detect trends in the prevalence of ARAf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireille H. van der Torre
- Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, ECMM Centre of Excellence for Medical Mycology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (M.H.v.d.T.); (C.W.); (C.B.M.); (L.N.-F.); (M.D.R.)
- Division of Infection, Inflammation and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK;
| | - Cheryl Whitby
- Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, ECMM Centre of Excellence for Medical Mycology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (M.H.v.d.T.); (C.W.); (C.B.M.); (L.N.-F.); (M.D.R.)
| | - Christopher P. Eades
- Division of Infection, Inflammation and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK;
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
| | - Caroline B. Moore
- Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, ECMM Centre of Excellence for Medical Mycology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (M.H.v.d.T.); (C.W.); (C.B.M.); (L.N.-F.); (M.D.R.)
- Division of Infection, Inflammation and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK;
| | - Lilyann Novak-Frazer
- Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, ECMM Centre of Excellence for Medical Mycology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (M.H.v.d.T.); (C.W.); (C.B.M.); (L.N.-F.); (M.D.R.)
- Division of Infection, Inflammation and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK;
| | - Malcolm D. Richardson
- Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, ECMM Centre of Excellence for Medical Mycology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (M.H.v.d.T.); (C.W.); (C.B.M.); (L.N.-F.); (M.D.R.)
- Division of Infection, Inflammation and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK;
| | - Riina Rautemaa-Richardson
- Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, ECMM Centre of Excellence for Medical Mycology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (M.H.v.d.T.); (C.W.); (C.B.M.); (L.N.-F.); (M.D.R.)
- Division of Infection, Inflammation and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK;
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
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Jung IY, Lee YJ, Shim HS, Cho YS, Sohn YJ, Hyun JH, Baek YJ, Kim MH, Kim JH, Ahn JY, Jeong SJ, Ku NS, Park YS, Yeom JS, Kim YK, Kim HY, Choi JY. Identification of Fungal Species and Detection of Azole-Resistance Mutations in the Aspergillus fumigatus cyp51A Gene at a South Korean Hospital. Yonsei Med J 2020; 61:698-704. [PMID: 32734733 PMCID: PMC7393294 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2020.61.8.698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE With changing fungal epidemiology and azole resistance in Aspergillus species, identifying fungal species and susceptibility patterns is crucial to the management of aspergillosis and mucormycosis. The objectives of this study were to evaluate performance of panfungal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays on formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) samples in the identification of fungal species and in the detection of azole-resistance mutations in the Aspergillus fumigatus cyp51A gene at a South Korean hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 75 FFPE specimens with a histopathological diagnosis of aspergillosis or mucormycosis were identified during the 10-year study period (2006-2015). After deparaffinization and DNA extraction, panfungal PCR assays were conducted on FFPE samples for fungal species identification. The identified fungal species were compared with histopathological diagnosis. On samples identified as A. fumigatus, sequencing to identify frequent mutations in the cyp51A gene [tandem repeat 46 (TR46), L98H, and M220 alterations] that confer azole resistance was performed. RESULTS Specific fungal DNA was identified in 31 (41.3%) FFPE samples, and of these, 16 samples of specific fungal DNA were in accord with a histopathological diagnosis of aspergillosis or mucormycosis; 15 samples had discordant histopathology and PCR results. No azole-mediating cyp51A gene mutation was noted among nine cases of aspergillosis. Moreover, no cyp51A mutations were identified among three cases with history of prior azole use. CONCLUSION Panfungal PCR assay with FFPE samples may provide additional information of use to fungal species identification. No azole-resistance mediating mutations in the A. fumigatus cyp51A gene were identified among FFPE samples during study period.
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Affiliation(s)
- In Young Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Youn Jung Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyo Sup Shim
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yun Suk Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yu Jin Sohn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Hoon Hyun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yae Jee Baek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Moo Hyun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Ho Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- AIDS Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin Young Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- AIDS Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Su Jin Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- AIDS Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Nam Su Ku
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- AIDS Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoon Soo Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joon Sup Yeom
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- AIDS Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Keun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Hyo Youl Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Jun Yong Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- AIDS Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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35
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In Vitro Interaction between Isavuconazole and Tacrolimus, Cyclosporin A, or Sirolimus against Aspergillus Species. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6030103. [PMID: 32650564 PMCID: PMC7560155 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction of isavuconazole with immunosuppressors (tacrolimus, cyclosporin A, or sirolimus) against 30 Aspergillus isolates belonging to the most common species responsible for invasive aspergillosis in humans (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus terreus) was evaluated in vitro by a microdilution checkerboard technique based on the EUCAST reference method for antifungal susceptibility testing. The interpretation of the results was performed based on the fractional inhibitory concentration index. The combination of isavuconazole with tacrolimus, cyclosporin A, or sirolimus, was synergistic for 56, 20, or 10% of the isolates, respectively. Interestingly synergy of the combination of isavuconazole with tacrolimus was also achieved for the majority of azole-resistant isolates of A. fumigatus, and for all A. niger isolates with isavuconazole minimal inhibitory concentrations ≥ 8 µg/mL. Antagonistic interactions were never observed for any combination tested.
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36
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Mirshekar Z, Behnampour N, Amini A, Alizad G, kouchaki GM, Niknejad F. Screening for Azole Resistance among Aspergillus spp isolated from Soil of Hospitals and a University Campus in Gorgan, Iran. MEDICAL LABORATORY JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.29252/mlj.14.4.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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Bustamante B, Illescas LR, Posadas A, Campos PE. Azole resistance among clinical isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus in Lima-Peru. Med Mycol 2020; 58:54-60. [PMID: 31329931 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myz032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Azole resistance among Aspergillus fumigatus isolates, which is mainly related to mutations in the cyp51A gene, is a concern because it is rising, worldwide disseminated, and associated with treatment failure and death. Data on azole resistance of aspergillus from Latin American countries is very scarce and do not exist for Peru. Two hundred and seven Aspergillus clinical isolates collected prospectively underwent mycology and molecular testing for specie identification, and 143 isolates were confirmed as A. fumigatus sensu stricto (AFSS). All AFSS were tested for in vitro azole susceptibility, and resistant isolates underwent PCR amplification and sequencing of the whole cyp51A gene and its promoter. The in vitro susceptibility showed a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) range, MIC50 and MIC90 of 0.125 to >16, 0.25, and 0.5 μg/ml for itraconazole; 0.25 to 2, 0.5, and 0.5 μg/ml for voriconazole; and 0.003 to 1, 0.06, and 0.125 μg/ml for posaconazole. Three isolates (2%) showed resistance to itraconazole and exhibited different mutations of the cyp51A gene. One isolate harbored the mutation M220K, while a second one exhibited the G54 mutation plus a modification in the cyp51A gene promoter. The third isolate, from an azole naive patient, presented an integration of a 34-bp tandem repeat (TR34) in the promoter region of the gene and a substitution of leucine 98 by histidine (L98H). The three source patients had a diagnosis or suspicion of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Bustamante
- Nacional Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú, and Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt-Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Andrés Posadas
- Unidad de Epidemiología Molecular-Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt-Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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38
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Abstract
Although not as ubiquitous as antibacterial susceptibility testing, antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) is a tool of increasing importance in clinical microbiology laboratories. The goal of AFST is to reliably produce MIC values that may be used to guide patient therapy, inform epidemiological studies, and track rates of antifungal drug resistance. There are three methods that have been standardized by standards development organizations: broth dilution, disk diffusion, and azole agar screening for Aspergillus Other commonly used methods include gradient diffusion and the use of rapid automated instruments. Novel methodologies for susceptibility testing are in development. It is important for laboratories to consider not only the method of testing but also the interpretation (or lack thereof) of in vitro data.
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39
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Ahangarkani F, Puts Y, Nabili M, Khodavaisy S, Moazeni M, Salehi Z, Laal Kargar M, Badali H, Meis JF. First azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus isolates with the environmental TR 46 /Y121F/T289A mutation in Iran. Mycoses 2020; 63:430-436. [PMID: 32056319 PMCID: PMC7217147 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus is an emerging problem and reported from all continents. As triazole antifungals are the mainstay of therapy in the management of invasive aspergillosis, azole‐resistant A fumigatus has become a major medical concern and with complicated clinical management. Objective Screening of environmental presence of azole‐resistant A fumigatus in Iran. Methods Compost from Northern Iran, collected between 2017 and 2018, was screened for the presence of azole‐resistant A fumigatus with azole‐containing agar. Phenotypic MICs were obtained from selected, molecularly confirmed isolates. cyp51A gene sequencing and genotyping of azole‐resistant isolates were done. Results Among 300 compost samples, three A fumigatus isolates had high voriconazole MICs (≥16 mg/L) and harboured the TR46/Y121F/T289A mutation in the cyp51A gene. Microsatellite typing of these isolates showed that two strains had the same allele across all nine examined microsatellite loci and were genotypically related to Indian azole‐resistant strains. The other isolate had a different genotype. Conclusion This is the first report of A fumigatus with TR46/Y121F/T289A mutation from the region. Monitoring and surveillance of antifungal susceptibility of clinical A fumigatus is warranted in Iran and elsewhere in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Ahangarkani
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ynze Puts
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mojtaba Nabili
- Department of Medical Sciences, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran
| | - Sadegh Khodavaisy
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Moazeni
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Invasive Fungi Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Zahra Salehi
- Department of Mycology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Melika Laal Kargar
- Department of Mycology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Badali
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Invasive Fungi Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Fungus Testing Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Jacques F Meis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,ECMM Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, Centre of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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40
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Howard KC, Dennis EK, Watt DS, Garneau-Tsodikova S. A comprehensive overview of the medicinal chemistry of antifungal drugs: perspectives and promise. Chem Soc Rev 2020; 49:2426-2480. [PMID: 32140691 DOI: 10.1039/c9cs00556k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of new fungal pathogens makes the development of new antifungal drugs a medical imperative that in recent years motivates the talents of numerous investigators across the world. Understanding not only the structural families of these drugs but also their biological targets provides a rational means for evaluating the merits and selectivity of new agents for fungal pathogens and normal cells. An equally important aspect of modern antifungal drug development takes a balanced look at the problems of drug potency and drug resistance. The future development of new antifungal agents will rest with those who employ synthetic and semisynthetic methodology as well as natural product isolation to tackle these problems and with those who possess a clear understanding of fungal cell architecture and drug resistance mechanisms. This review endeavors to provide an introduction to a growing and increasingly important literature, including coverage of the new developments in medicinal chemistry since 2015, and also endeavors to spark the curiosity of investigators who might enter this fascinatingly complex fungal landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlind C Howard
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536-0596, USA.
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41
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Prigitano A, Esposto MC, Grancini A, Passera M, Paolucci M, Stanzani M, Sartor A, Candoni A, Pitzurra L, Innocenti P, Micozzi A, Cascio GL, Delia M, Mosca A, Mikulska M, Ossi C, Fontana C, Pizzolante M, Gelmi M, Cavanna C, Lallitto F, Amato G, Vella A, Pagano L, Bandettini R, De Lorenzis G, Cogliati M, Romanò L, Tortorano A. Prospective multicentre study on azole resistance in Aspergillus isolates from surveillance cultures in haematological patients in Italy. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2020; 22:231-237. [PMID: 32061880 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2020.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of azole resistance in Aspergillus isolates from patients with haematological malignancies or who were undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and to identify the molecular mechanism of resistance. METHODS In this 28-month prospective study involving 18 Italian centres, Aspergillus isolates from surveillance cultures were collected and screened for azole resistance, and mutations in the cyp51A gene were identified. Resistant isolates were genotyped by microsatellite analysis, and the allelic profiles were compared with those of resistant environmental and clinical isolates from the same geographical area that had been previously genotyped. RESULTS There were 292 Aspergillus isolates collected from 228 patients. The isolates belonged mainly to the section Fumigati (45.9%), Nigri (20.9%), Flavi (16.8%) and Terrei (4.8%). Three isolates showed itraconazole resistance: Aspergillus fumigatus sensu stricto, Aspergillus lentulus (section Fumigati) and Aspergillus awamori (section Nigri). The itraconazole resistance rates were 1% and 1.48% considering all Aspergillus spp. isolates and the Aspergillus section Fumigati, respectively. The prevalence of azole resistance among all the patients was 1.3%. Among patients harbouring A. fumigatus sensu stricto isolates, the resistance rate was 0.79%. The A. fumigatus isolate, with the TR34/L98H mutation, was genotypically distant from the environmental and clinical strains previously genotyped. CONCLUSIONS In this study, the Aspergillus azole resistance rate was 1% (3/292). In addition to A. fumigatus sensu stricto, A. lentulus and A. awamori azole-resistant isolates were identified. Therefore, it is important have a correct identification at the species level to address a rapid therapy better, quickly understand the shift towards cryptic species and have an updated knowledge of the local epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Prigitano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - M C Esposto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - A Grancini
- I.R.C.C.S. Foundation, Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - M Passera
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Asst. Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - M Paolucci
- Institute of Hematology, Lorenzo e Ariosto Seràgnoli, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital Policlinico, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Stanzani
- Institute of Hematology, Lorenzo e Ariosto Seràgnoli, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital Policlinico, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Sartor
- Division of Hematology, ASUIUD, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - A Candoni
- Division of Hematology, ASUIUD, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - L Pitzurra
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - P Innocenti
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Comprensorio Sanitario di Bolzano-AS Alto Adige, Bolzano, Italy
| | - A Micozzi
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - G Lo Cascio
- Microbiology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy
| | - M Delia
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation-UO Haematology with transplantation, AO Universitaria Policlinico di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - A Mosca
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, AO Universitaria Policlinico di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - M Mikulska
- Università degli Studi di Genova (DISSAL) and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - C Ossi
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - C Fontana
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Tor Vergata Polyclinic of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - M Pizzolante
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Vito Fazzi Regional Hospital Lecce, Lecce, Italy
| | - M Gelmi
- ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - C Cavanna
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - F Lallitto
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - G Amato
- UOC. Patologia Clinica, AO A. Cardarelli, Naples, Italy
| | - A Vella
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - L Pagano
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - R Bandettini
- Clinical Pathology and Microbiology Laboratory Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - G De Lorenzis
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences-Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - M Cogliati
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - L Romanò
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - A Tortorano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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van der Torre MH, Novak-Frazer L, Rautemaa-Richardson R. Detecting Azole-Antifungal Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus by Pyrosequencing. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6010012. [PMID: 31936898 PMCID: PMC7151159 DOI: 10.3390/jof6010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Guidelines on the diagnosis and management of Aspergillus disease recommend a multi-test approach including CT scans, culture, fungal biomarker tests, microscopy and fungal PCR. The first-line treatment of confirmed invasive aspergillosis (IA) consists of drugs in the azole family; however, the emergence of azole-resistant isolates has negatively impacted the management of IA. Failure to detect azole-resistance dramatically increases the mortality rates of azole-treated patients. Despite drug susceptibility tests not being routinely performed currently, we suggest including resistance testing whilst diagnosing Aspergillus disease. Multiple tools, including DNA sequencing, are available to screen for drug-resistant Aspergillus in clinical samples. This is particularly beneficial as a large proportion of IA samples are culture negative, consequently impeding susceptibility testing through conventional methods. Pyrosequencing is a promising in-house DNA sequencing method that can rapidly screen for genetic hotspots associated with antifungal resistance. Pyrosequencing outperforms other susceptibility testing methods due to its fast turnaround time, accurate detection of polymorphisms within critical genes, including simultaneous detection of wild type and mutated sequences, and—most importantly—it is not limited to specific genes nor fungal species. Here we review current diagnostic methods and highlight the potential of pyrosequencing to aid in a diagnosis complete with a resistance profile to improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireille H. van der Torre
- Mycology Reference Centre, Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology (ECMM), Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust-Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (M.H.v.d.T.); (L.N.-F.)
| | - Lilyann Novak-Frazer
- Mycology Reference Centre, Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology (ECMM), Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust-Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (M.H.v.d.T.); (L.N.-F.)
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
| | - Riina Rautemaa-Richardson
- Mycology Reference Centre, Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology (ECMM), Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust-Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (M.H.v.d.T.); (L.N.-F.)
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust-Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-161-291-5941
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Elevated Prevalence of Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in Urban versus Rural Environments in the United Kingdom. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 63:AAC.00548-19. [PMID: 31235621 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00548-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Azole resistance in the opportunistic pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus is increasing, dominated primarily by the following two environmentally associated resistance alleles: TR34/L98H and TR46/Y121F/T289A. By sampling soils across the South of England, we assess the prevalence of azole-resistant A. fumigatus (ARAf) in samples collected in both urban and rural locations. We characterize the susceptibility profiles of the resistant isolates to three medical azoles, identify the underlying genetic basis of resistance, and investigate their genetic relationships. ARAf was detected in 6.7% of the soil samples, with a higher prevalence in urban (13.8%) than rural (1.1%) locations. Twenty isolates were confirmed to exhibit clinical breakpoints for resistance to at least one of three medical azoles, with 18 isolates exhibiting resistance to itraconazole, 6 to voriconazole, and 2 showing elevated minimum inhibitory concentrations to posaconazole. Thirteen of the resistant isolates harbored the TR34/L98H resistance allele, and six isolates carried the TR46/Y121F/T289A allele. The 20 azole-resistant isolates were spread across five csp1 genetic subtypes, t01, t02, t04B, t09, and t18 with t02 being the predominant subtype. Our study demonstrates that ARAf can be easily isolated in the South of England, especially in urban city centers, which appear to play an important role in the epidemiology of environmentally linked drug-resistant A. fumigatus.
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Salah H, Lackner M, Houbraken J, Theelen B, Lass-Flörl C, Boekhout T, Almaslamani M, Taj-Aldeen SJ. The Emergence of Rare Clinical Aspergillus Species in Qatar: Molecular Characterization and Antifungal Susceptibility Profiles. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1677. [PMID: 31447794 PMCID: PMC6697061 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus are ubiquitous mold species that infect immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. The symptoms are diverse and range from allergic reactions, bronchopulmonary infection, and bronchitis, to invasive aspergillosis. The aim of this study was to characterize 70 Aspergillus isolates recovered from clinical specimens of patients with various clinical conditions presented at Hamad general hospital in Doha, Qatar, by using molecular methods and to determine their in vitro antifungal susceptibility patterns using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M38-A2 reference method. Fourteen Aspergillus species were identified by sequencing β-tubulin and calmodulin genes, including 10 rare and cryptic species not commonly recovered from human clinical specimens. Aspergillus welwitschiae is reported in this study for the first time in patients with fungal rhinosinusitis (n = 6) and one patient with a lower respiratory infection. Moreover, Aspergillus pseudonomius is reported in a patient with fungal rhinosinusitis which is considered as the first report ever from clinical specimens. In addition, Aspergillus sublatus is reported for the first time in a patient with cystic fibrosis. In general, our Aspergillus strains exhibited low MIC values for most of the antifungal drugs tested. One strain of Aspergillus fumigatus showed high MECs for echinocandins and low MICs for the rest of the drugs tested. Another strain of A. fumigatus exhibited high MIC for itraconazole and categorized as non-wild type. These findings require further analysis of their molecular basis of resistance. In conclusion, reliable identification of Aspergillus species is achieved by using molecular sequencing, especially for the emerging rare and cryptic species. They are mostly indistinguishable by conventional methods and might exhibit variable antifungal susceptibility profiles. Moreover, investigation of the antifungal susceptibility patterns is necessary for improved antifungal therapy against aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Husam Salah
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Yeast Research, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Michaela Lackner
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jos Houbraken
- Applied and Industrial Mycology, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Bart Theelen
- Yeast Research, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Teun Boekhout
- Yeast Research, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Muna Almaslamani
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Saad J Taj-Aldeen
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Emerging Fungal Infections: New Patients, New Patterns, and New Pathogens. J Fungi (Basel) 2019; 5:jof5030067. [PMID: 31330862 PMCID: PMC6787706 DOI: 10.3390/jof5030067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The landscape of clinical mycology is constantly changing. New therapies for malignant and autoimmune diseases have led to new risk factors for unusual mycoses. Invasive candidiasis is increasingly caused by non-albicans Candida spp., including C. auris, a multidrug-resistant yeast with the potential for nosocomial transmission that has rapidly spread globally. The use of mould-active antifungal prophylaxis in patients with cancer or transplantation has decreased the incidence of invasive fungal disease, but shifted the balance of mould disease in these patients to those from non-fumigatus Aspergillus species, Mucorales, and Scedosporium/Lomentospora spp. The agricultural application of triazole pesticides has driven an emergence of azole-resistant A. fumigatus in environmental and clinical isolates. The widespread use of topical antifungals with corticosteroids in India has resulted in Trichophyton mentagrophytes causing recalcitrant dermatophytosis. New dimorphic fungal pathogens have emerged, including Emergomyces, which cause disseminated mycoses globally, primarily in HIV infected patients, and Blastomyceshelicus and B. percursus, causes of atypical blastomycosis in western parts of North America and in Africa, respectively. In North America, regions of geographic risk for coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, and blastomycosis have expanded, possibly related to climate change. In Brazil, zoonotic sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis has emerged as an important disease of felines and people.
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Akbari Dana M, Hashemi SJ, Daei Ghazvini R, Khodavesi S, Modiri M, Nazemi L, Darabian S, Rezaie S. Effect of benomyl and diazinon on acquired azole resistance in Aspergillus flavus and expression of mdr1 and cyp51c genes. Curr Med Mycol 2019; 5:27-32. [PMID: 31321335 PMCID: PMC6626713 DOI: 10.18502/cmm.5.2.1158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Aspergillus flavus is an important pathogen in immunodeficient patients. Due to the abundance of this fungus in nature, fungicides are commonly used to preserve and maintain agricultural products. Long-term exposure to these pesticides can lead to the induction of drug resistance in this fungus. Materials and Methods: For the purpose of the study, 10 strains of A. flavus ATCC 204304 were cultured in benomyl and diazinon pesticides at the concentrations of 62.5, 125, 250.500, 750, 1000, 1500, 2000, and 2500 mg/L in nine steps. Morphological changes and resistance to voriconazole, itraconazole, and amphotericin B were evaluated at the end of each step. Subsequently, changes in the expression of mdr1 and cyp51C genes were studied in the strains showing drug resistance. Results: The results showed that during the nine stages of the adjacency of strains with benomyl and diazinon at different concentrations, resistance to voriconazole, itraconazole, and amphotericin B in these toxins increased by 30% and 10%, respectively. In addition, the microscopic examination of resistant strains revealed the absence of sporulation, and only mycelium was found. Macroscopically, the color of the colonies changed from green to white. Furthermore, the investigation of the expression of mdr1 and cyp51c genes in these strains showed a decrease and increase in adjacency with diazinon and benomyl, respectively. Conclusion: As the findings indicated, exposure to agricultural pesticides can lead to the incidence of morphological changes and resistance to amphotericin B, itraconazole, and voriconazole in the sensitive species of A. flavus by altering the expression of genes involved in drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Akbari Dana
- Division of Molecular Biology, Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Jamal Hashemi
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roshanak Daei Ghazvini
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sadegh Khodavesi
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona Modiri
- Division of Molecular Biology, Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ladan Nazemi
- Division of Molecular Biology, Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sima Darabian
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Public Health, International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sasan Rezaie
- Division of Molecular Biology, Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Guinea J, Verweij PE, Meletiadis J, Mouton JW, Barchiesi F, Arendrup MC. How to: EUCAST recommendations on the screening procedure E.Def 10.1 for the detection of azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus isolates using four-well azole-containing agar plates. Clin Microbiol Infect 2019; 25:681-687. [PMID: 30268672 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2018.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergence of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus isolates is a matter of significant concern in Europe, with countries reporting resistance rates (which can be as high as 30%) in hospitalized patients. Consequently, the treatment guidelines in The Netherlands, the country with the highest documented prevalence of azole-resistant A. fumigatus, has just been revised to now recommend initial therapy with combination therapy until the susceptibility pattern is known. Therefore, susceptibility testing of clinically relevant isolates has been strongly recommended in the ESCMID-EFISG aspergillosis guidelines. Furthermore, mixed azole-susceptible and azole-resistant (isogenic as well as non-isogenic) infections have been reported to occur, which implies that colonies of clinical cultures may harbour various phenotypes of azole susceptibility. OBJECTIVES The EUCAST-AFST (European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Subcommittee on Antifungal Susceptibility Testing) has released a new screening method document (E.Def 10.1) for the detection of azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates and updated the QC tables for antifungal susceptibility testing with associated QC endpoints. This review described in detail how to perform the screening test. SOURCES This "How to document" is based on the EUCAST azole agar screening method document E.Def 10.1 and the QC tables for antifungal susceptibility testing document, v 2.0 (available at http://www.eucast.org/ast_of_fungi/qcafsttables/) CONTENTS: The method is based on the inoculation of azole-containing and azole-free agars and visual determination of fungal growth after one and two days of incubation. It can easily be implemented in routine laboratories of clinical microbiology and has been validated for simultaneous testing of up to five A. fumigatus colonies using itraconazole and voriconazole (mandatory), and posaconazole (optional). IMPLICATIONS This easy-to-use screening procedure for the detection of azole resistance in clinical A. fumigatus isolates will allow rapid testing in the daily routine of the microbiology laboratory and thus facilitate earlier appropriate therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Guinea
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; CIBER de enfermedades respiratorias-CIBERES (CB06/06/0058), Madrid, Spain
| | - P E Verweij
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Centre of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - J Meletiadis
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J W Mouton
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Centre of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - F Barchiesi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Sanità Pubblica, Clinica Malattie Infettive, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - M C Arendrup
- Unit of Mycology, Department of Microbiological Surveillance and Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Nash A, Rhodes J. Simulations of CYP51A from Aspergillus fumigatus in a model bilayer provide insights into triazole drug resistance. Med Mycol 2019; 56:361-373. [PMID: 28992260 PMCID: PMC5895076 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myx056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Azole antifungal drugs target CYP51A in Aspergillus fumigatus by binding with the active site of the protein, blocking ergosterol biosynthesis. Resistance to azole antifungal drugs is now common, with a leucine to histidine amino acid substitution at position 98 the most frequent, predominantly conferring resistance to itraconazole, although cross-resistance has been reported in conjunction with other mutations. In this study, we create a homology model of CYP51A using a recently published crystal structure of the paralog protein CYP51B. The derived structures, wild type, and L98H mutant are positioned within a lipid membrane bilayer and subjected to molecular dynamics simulations in order improve the accuracy of both models. The structural analysis from our simulations suggests a decrease in active site surface from the formation of hydrogen bonds between the histidine substitution and neighboring polar side chains, potentially preventing the binding of azole drugs. This study yields a biologically relevant structure and set of dynamics of the A. fumigatus Lanosterol 14 alpha-demethylase enzyme and provides further insight into azole antifungal drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Nash
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Johanna Rhodes
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Thammahong A, Dhingra S, Bultman KM, Kerkaert JD, Cramer RA. An Ssd1 Homolog Impacts Trehalose and Chitin Biosynthesis and Contributes to Virulence in Aspergillus fumigatus. mSphere 2019; 4:e00244-19. [PMID: 31068436 PMCID: PMC6506620 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00244-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of fungal cell wall biosynthesis is critical to maintain cell wall integrity in dynamic fungal infection microenvironments. Genes involved in this response that impact fungal fitness and host immune responses remain to be fully defined. In this study, we observed that a yeast ssd1 homolog, ssdA, in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus is involved in trehalose and cell wall homeostasis. An ssdA null mutant strain exhibited an increase in trehalose levels and a reduction in fungal colony growth rate. In contrast, overexpression of ssdA perturbed trehalose biosynthesis and reduced germination of conidia. The ssdA null mutant strain was more resistant to cell wall-perturbing agents, while overexpression of ssdA increased sensitivity. Overexpression of ssdA significantly increased chitin levels, and both loss and overexpression of ssdA altered subcellular localization of the class V chitin synthase CsmA. Strikingly, overexpression of ssdA abolished adherence to abiotic surfaces and severely attenuated the virulence of A. fumigatus in a murine model of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Despite the severe in vitro fitness defects observed upon loss of ssdA, neither surface adherence nor murine survival was impacted. In conclusion, A. fumigatus SsdA plays a critical role in cell wall homeostasis impacting A. fumigatus-host interactions.IMPORTANCE The incidence of life-threatening infections caused by the filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus is increasing along with an increase in the number of fungal strains resistant to contemporary antifungal therapies. The fungal cell wall and the associated carbohydrates required for its synthesis and maintenance are attractive drug targets given that many genes encoding proteins involved in cell wall biosynthesis and integrity are absent in humans. Importantly, genes and associated cell wall biosynthesis and homeostasis regulatory pathways remain to be fully defined in A. fumigatus In this report, we identify SsdA as an important component of trehalose and fungal cell wall biosynthesis in A. fumigatus that consequently impacts the host immune response and fungal virulence in animal models of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arsa Thammahong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Sourabh Dhingra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Katherine M Bultman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Joshua D Kerkaert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Robert A Cramer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
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