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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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Zhou D, Gong J, Duan C, He J, Zhang Y, Xu J. Genetic structure and triazole resistance among Aspergillus fumigatus populations from remote and undeveloped regions in Eastern Himalaya. mSphere 2023; 8:e0007123. [PMID: 37341484 PMCID: PMC10449526 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00071-23] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous mold and a common human fungal pathogen. Recent molecular population genetic and epidemiological analyses have revealed evidence for long-distance gene flow and high genetic diversity within most local populations of A. fumigatus. However, little is known about the impact of regional landscape factors in shaping the population diversity patterns of this species. Here we sampled extensively and investigated the population structure of A. fumigatus from soils in the Three Parallel Rivers (TPR) region in Eastern Himalaya. This region is remote, undeveloped and sparsely populated, bordered by glaciated peaks more than 6,000 m above sea level, and contained three rivers separated by tall mountains over very short horizontal distances. A total of 358 A. fumigatus strains from 19 sites along the three rivers were isolated and analyzed at nine loci containing short tandem repeats. Our analyses revealed that mountain barriers, elevation differences, and drainage systems all contributed low but statistically significant genetic variations to the total A. fumigatus population in this region. We found abundant novel alleles and genotypes in the TPR population of A. fumigatus and significant genetic differentiation between this population and those from other parts of Yunnan and the globe. Surprisingly, despite limited human presence in this region, about 7% of the A. fumigatus isolates were resistant to at least one of the two medical triazoles commonly used for treating aspergillosis. Our results call for greater surveillance of this and other human fungal pathogens in the environment. IMPORTANCE The extreme habitat fragmentation and substantial environmental heterogeneity in the TPR region have long known to contribute to geographically shaped genetic structure and local adaptation in several plant and animal species. However, there have been limited studies of fungi in this region. Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous pathogen capable of long-distance dispersal and growth in diverse environments. In this study, using A. fumigatus as a model, we investigated how localized landscape features contribute to genetic variations in fungal populations. Our results revealed that elevation and drainage isolation rather than direct physical distances significantly impacted genetic exchange and diversity among the local A. fumigatus populations. Interestingly, within each local population, we found high allelic and genotypic diversities, and with evidence ~7% of all isolates being resistant to two medical triazoles, itraconazole and voriconazole. Given the high frequency of ARAF found in mostly natural soils of sparsely populated sites in the TPR region, close monitoring of their dynamics in nature and their effects on human health is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duanyong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Genetic Resources Mining and Molecular Breeding of Qianxinan Prefecture, Minzu Normal University of Xingyi, Xingyi, China
| | - Jianchuan Gong
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Chengyan Duan
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Jingrui He
- School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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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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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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Zhou D, Wang R, Li X, Peng B, Yang G, Zhang KQ, Zhang Y, Xu J. Genetic Diversity and Azole Resistance Among Natural Aspergillus fumigatus Populations in Yunnan, China. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2022; 83:869-885. [PMID: 34279697 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-021-01804-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The emergence and spread of azole resistance alleles in clinical and environmental isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus is a global human health concern and endangers the "One Health" approach in our fight against antifungal resistance (AFR) in this pathogen. A major challenge to combat AFR in A. fumigatus is the massive aerial dispersal ability of its asexual spores. Our recent fine-scale survey of greenhouse populations of A. fumigatus near Kunming, Yunnan, China, suggested that the use of azole fungicides for plant protection was likely a major driver of the high-frequency azole-resistant A. fumigatus (ARAF) in greenhouses. Here, we investigated the potential spread of those ARAF and the structure of geographic populations of A. fumigatus by analyzing 452 isolates from 19 geographic locations across Yunnan. We found lower frequencies of ARAF in these outdoor populations than those in greenhouses near Kunming, but there were abundant new alleles and new genotypes, including those associated with azole resistance, consistent with multiple independent origins of ARAF across Yunnan. Interestingly, among the four ecological niches, the sediments of a large lake near Kunming were found to have the highest frequency of ARAF (~ 43%). While most genetic variations were observed within the 19 local populations, statistically significant genetic differentiations were found between many subpopulations within Yunnan. Furthermore, similar to greenhouse populations, these outdoor populations of A. fumigatus in Yunnan were significantly different from those in other parts of the world. Our results call for increased attention to local and regional studies of this fungal pathogen to help develop targeted control strategies against ARAF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duanyong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
- College of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
- School of Biology and Chemistry, Xingyi Normal University for Nationalities, Xingyi, 562400, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruirui Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
- College of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
- College of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Peng
- College of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangzhu Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
- College of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke-Qin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianping Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4K1, Canada.
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Genetic Diversity and Dispersal of Aspergillus fumigatus in Arctic Soils. Genes (Basel) 2021; 13:genes13010019. [PMID: 35052359 PMCID: PMC8774493 DOI: 10.3390/genes13010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a saprophytic mold and an opportunistic pathogen with a broad geographic and ecological distribution. A. fumigatus is the most common etiological agent of aspergillosis, affecting over 8,000,000 individuals worldwide. Due to the rising number of infections and increasing reports of resistance to antifungal therapy, there is an urgent need to understand A. fumigatus populations from local to global levels. However, many geographic locations and ecological niches remain understudied, including soil environments from arctic regions. In this study, we isolated 32 and 52 A. fumigatus strains from soils in Iceland and the Northwest Territories of Canada (NWT), respectively. These isolates were genotyped at nine microsatellite loci and the genotypes were compared with each other and with those in other parts of the world. Though significantly differentiated from each other, our analyses revealed that A. fumigatus populations from Iceland and NWT contained evidence for both clonal and sexual reproductions, and shared many alleles with each other and with those collected from across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Interestingly, we found one triazole-resistant strain containing the TR34 /L98H mutation in the cyp51A gene from NWT. This strain is closely related to a triazole-resistant genotype broadly distributed in India. Together, our results suggest that the northern soil populations of A. fumigatus are significantly influenced by those from other geographic regions.
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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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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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van der Torre MH, Shen H, Rautemaa-Richardson R, Richardson MD, Novak-Frazer L. Molecular Epidemiology of Aspergillus fumigatus in Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis Patients. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7020152. [PMID: 33672698 PMCID: PMC7924367 DOI: 10.3390/jof7020152] [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: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular fungal genotyping techniques developed and employed for epidemiological studies have understandably concentrated on establishing the genetic diversity of Aspergillus fumigatus in invasive aspergillosis due to its severity, the urgency for treatment, and the need to demonstrate possible sources. Some early studies suggested that these strains were phenotypically, if not genotypically, different from others. However, with improved discrimination and evaluations, incorporating environmental as well as clinical isolates from other Aspergillus conditions (e.g., chronic pulmonary aspergillosis and cystic fibrosis), this premise is no longer upheld. Moreover, with the onset of increased global triazole resistance, there has been a concerted effort to incorporate resistance profiling into genotyping studies and the realisation that the wider population of non-immunocompromised aspergillosis patients are at risk. This review summarises the developments in molecular genotyping studies that incorporate resistance profiling with attention to chronic pulmonary aspergillosis and an example of our UK experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireille H. van der Torre
- Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, ECMM Centre of Excellence in Clinical and Laboratory Mycology and Clinical Studies, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (M.H.v.d.T.); (R.R.-R.); (M.D.R.)
- Division of Infection, Inflammation and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
| | - Hongwei Shen
- Division of Infection, Inflammation and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
| | - Riina Rautemaa-Richardson
- Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, ECMM Centre of Excellence in Clinical and Laboratory Mycology and Clinical Studies, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (M.H.v.d.T.); (R.R.-R.); (M.D.R.)
- Division of Infection, Inflammation and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
| | - Malcolm D. Richardson
- Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, ECMM Centre of Excellence in Clinical and Laboratory Mycology and Clinical Studies, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (M.H.v.d.T.); (R.R.-R.); (M.D.R.)
- Division of Infection, Inflammation and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
| | - Lilyann Novak-Frazer
- Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, ECMM Centre of Excellence in Clinical and Laboratory Mycology and Clinical Studies, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (M.H.v.d.T.); (R.R.-R.); (M.D.R.)
- Division of Infection, Inflammation and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-161-2915856
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Extensive Genetic Diversity and Widespread Azole Resistance in Greenhouse Populations of Aspergillus fumigatus in Yunnan, China. mSphere 2021; 6:6/1/e00066-21. [PMID: 33568450 PMCID: PMC8544883 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00066-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is the main cause of invasive aspergillosis (IA) with a high annual global incidence and mortality rate. Recent studies have indicated an increasing prevalence of azole-resistant A. fumigatus (ARAF) strains, with agricultural use of azole fungicides as a potential contributor. China has an extensive agricultural production system and uses a wide array of fungicides for crop production, including in modern growth facilities such as greenhouses. Soils in greenhouses are among the most intensively cultivated. However, little is known about the occurrence and distribution of ARAF in greenhouse soils. Here, we investigated genetic variation and triazole drug susceptibility in A. fumigatus from greenhouses around metropolitan Kunming in Yunnan, southwest China. Abundant allelic and genotypic variations were found among 233 A. fumigatus strains isolated from nine greenhouses in this region. Significantly, ∼80% of the strains were resistant to at least one medical triazole drug, with >30% showing cross-resistance to both itraconazole and voriconazole. Several previously reported mutations associated with triazole resistance in the triazole target gene cyp51A were also found in our strains, with a strong positive correlation between the frequency of mutations at the cyp51A promoter and that of voriconazole resistance. Phylogenetic analyses of cyp51A gene sequences showed evidence for multiple independent origins of azole-resistant genotypes of A. fumigatus in these greenhouses. Evidence for multiple origins of azole resistance and the widespread distributions of genetically very diverse triazole-resistant strains of A. fumigatus in greenhouses calls for significant attention from public health agencies. IMPORTANCE The origin and prevalence of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus have been attracting increasing attention from biologists, clinicians, and public health agencies. Current evidence suggests agricultural fungicide use as a major cause. In southwest China, greenhouses are used to produce large amounts of fruits, flowers, and vegetables for consumers throughout China as well as those in other countries, primarily in southeast Asia. Here, we found a very high frequency (∼80%) of triazole-resistant A. fumigatus in our sample, the highest reported so far, with a significant proportion of these strains resistant to both tested agricultural fungicides and medical triazole drugs. In addition, we found novel allelic and genotypic diversities and evidence for multiple independent origins of azole-resistant genotypes of A. fumigatus in greenhouse populations in this region. Our study calls for a systematic evaluation of the effects of azole fungicide usage in greenhouses on human health.
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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
| | - Iriagbonse Iyabo Osaigbovo
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, 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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Korfanty G, Stanley K, Lammers K, Fan Y, Xu J. Variations in sexual fitness among natural strains of the opportunistic human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2020; 87:104640. [PMID: 33246083 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous ascomycete fungus, naturally inhabiting the soil and compost piles. Its conidia readily disperse into the atmosphere and cause opportunistic infections known as aspergillosis. With the emerging resistance to many antifungal drugs, our understanding of A. fumigatus epidemiology has become increasingly important for developing effective control and treatment strategies. As a pathogen capable of both sexual and asexual reproduction, mutations causing drug resistance and increased virulence could be spread rapidly in A. fumigatus populations. However, relatively little is known about the distributions of sexual reproductive fitness among natural strains of A. fumigatus. Here we investigated the formation of sexual reproductive structure (i.e. cleistothecia) and sexual spore viability among 60 natural strains of A. fumigatus. These strains were from six geographically distant countries (India, China, Canada, Cameroon, Saudi Arabia, and New Zealand), with 10 strains (including five MAT1-1 strains and five MAT1-2 strains) from each country. These strains were crossed in all combinations with strains of the opposite mating type. In addition, all 60 strains were crossed with either AFB62-1 (MAT1-1) or AFIR928 (MAT1-2), two reference supermater strains. Of the 900 crosses among the 60 natural strains, 136 crosses (15.1%) produced cleistothecia. Our analyses revealed that strains from China had the highest average ability to form cleistothecia, followed by those from New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, India, Canada, and Cameroon. Among the crosses that produced cleistothecia, about 40% produced viable ascospores, with the rate of ascospore germination varied significantly among crosses. Interestingly, neither the ability to form cleistothecia nor ascospore germination rate showed any distinct relationships with either geographic or genetic distance between parental strains. Our results suggest that genetic exchange among geographically and genetically divergent strains of A. fumigatus are possible. However, the rates of genetic exchange likely vary among strains and populations in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg Korfanty
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kaitlin Stanley
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kaitlyn Lammers
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - YuYing Fan
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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Comparative Genome Sequence Analyses of Geographic Samples of Aspergillus fumigatus-Relevance for Amphotericin B Resistance. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8111673. [PMID: 33126611 PMCID: PMC7713013 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amphotericin B (AMB) is a major fungicidal polyene agent that has a broad spectrum of action against invasive fungal infections. AMB is typically used as the last-line drug against serious and life-threatening infections when other drugs have failed to eliminate the fungal pathogens. Recently, AMB resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus has become more evident. For example, a high rate of AMB resistance (96%) was noted in the A. fumigatus population in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. AMB-resistant strains have also been found in other countries. However, the mechanism of AMB resistance remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated the potential genes and mutations associated with AMB resistance using whole-genome sequences and examined AMB resistance distribution among genetic populations. A total of 196 whole-genome sequences representing strains from 11 countries were examined. Analyses of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the whole-genome level revealed that these strains belonged to three divergent genetic clusters, with the majority (90%) of AMB resistant strains located in one of the three clusters, Cluster 2. Our analyses identified over 60 SNPs significantly associated with AMB resistance. Together, these SNPs represent promising candidates from which to investigate the putative molecular mechanisms of AMB resistance and for their potential use in developing rapid diagnostic markers for clinical screening of AMB resistance in A. fumigatus.
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Duarte-Escalante E, Frías-De-León MG, Martínez-Herrera E, Acosta-Altamirano G, Rosas de Paz E, Reséndiz-Sánchez J, Refojo N, Reyes-Montes MDR. Identification of CSP Types and Genotypic Variability of Clinical and Environmental Isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus from Different Geographic Origins. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E688. [PMID: 32397318 PMCID: PMC7284390 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8050688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The CSP (cell surface protein) microsatellite marker is useful for typing Aspergillus fumigatus isolates and determining relationships at the subpopulation level because it has shown high discriminatory power. In the present study, 90 A. fumigatus isolates from Mexico (MX), Argentina (AR), France (FR), and Peru (PE) were identified through a phylogenetic analysis using the benA gene fragment and were typed with the CSP microsatellite, and the types were identified using the nomenclature recommended in the literature. Genetic variability was analyzed through haplotype diversity, nucleotide diversity, polymorphic sites, and nucleotide differences between pairs of sequences. The population structure was evaluated using the Tajima's D statistic. No new CSP types were recorded in the MX, FR, and PE isolates, while in the AR isolates, two new CSP types were identified (t25 and t26). The most common CSP types in the studied populations were t01, t02, t03, and t04A; these results are consistent with findings in other countries. In addition, the genetic diversity parameters we obtained revealed that the greatest genetic diversity was found in the MX population, followed by AR and FR. No population structure was identified among the isolates studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Duarte-Escalante
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria No. 3000, Mexico Cd. Mx. 04510, Mexico; (E.D.-E.); (E.R.d.P.)
| | - María Guadalupe Frías-De-León
- Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Ixtapaluca, Carretera Federal México-Puebla Km. 34.5, Pueblo de Zoquiapan, Ixtapaluca 56530, Mexico; (M.G.F.-D.-L.); (E.M.-H.); (G.A.-A.)
| | - Erick Martínez-Herrera
- Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Ixtapaluca, Carretera Federal México-Puebla Km. 34.5, Pueblo de Zoquiapan, Ixtapaluca 56530, Mexico; (M.G.F.-D.-L.); (E.M.-H.); (G.A.-A.)
| | - Gustavo Acosta-Altamirano
- Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Ixtapaluca, Carretera Federal México-Puebla Km. 34.5, Pueblo de Zoquiapan, Ixtapaluca 56530, Mexico; (M.G.F.-D.-L.); (E.M.-H.); (G.A.-A.)
| | - Emmanuel Rosas de Paz
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria No. 3000, Mexico Cd. Mx. 04510, Mexico; (E.D.-E.); (E.R.d.P.)
| | - Jesús Reséndiz-Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Micología, Hospital Infantil de México “Federico Gómez”, Doctor Márquez 162, Mexico Cd. Mx. 06720, Mexico;
| | - Nicolás Refojo
- Departamento de Micología, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas ‘Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán’, Buenos Aires C1282AFF, Argentina;
| | - María del Rocío Reyes-Montes
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria No. 3000, Mexico Cd. Mx. 04510, Mexico; (E.D.-E.); (E.R.d.P.)
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15
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Korfanty GA, Teng L, Pum N, Xu J. Contemporary Gene Flow is a Major Force Shaping the Aspergillus fumigatus Population in Auckland, New Zealand. Mycopathologia 2019; 184:479-492. [PMID: 31309402 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-019-00361-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a globally distributed opportunistic fungal pathogen capable of causing highly lethal invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised individuals. Recent studies have indicated that the global population consists of multiple, divergent genetic clusters that are geographically broadly distributed. However, most of the analyzed samples have come from continental Eurasia and the Americas where the effects of ancient versus recent factors are difficult to distinguish. Here, we investigated environmental A. fumigatus isolates from Auckland, New Zealand, a geographically isolated population, and compared them with those from other parts of the world to determine the relative roles of historical differentiation and recent gene flow in shaping A. fumigatus populations. Our data suggest that the Auckland A. fumigatus population contains both unique indigenous genetic elements as well as genetic elements that are similar to those from other regions such as Europe, Africa, and North America. Though the hypothesis of random recombination was rejected, we found abundant evidence for phylogenetic incompatibility and recombination within the Auckland A. fumigatus population. Additionally, susceptibility testing identified two triazole-resistant strains, one of which contained the globally distributed mutation TR34/L98H in the cyp51A gene. Our results suggest that contemporary gene flow, likely due to anthropogenic factors, is a major force shaping the New Zealand A. fumigatus population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg A Korfanty
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Lisa Teng
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Nicole Pum
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada.
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16
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Sewell TR, Zhu J, Rhodes J, Hagen F, Meis JF, Fisher MC, Jombart T. Nonrandom Distribution of Azole Resistance across the Global Population of Aspergillus fumigatus. mBio 2019; 10:e00392-19. [PMID: 31113894 PMCID: PMC6529631 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00392-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of azole resistance in the pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus has continued to increase, with the dominant resistance mechanisms, consisting of a 34-nucleotide tandem repeat (TR34)/L98H and TR46/Y121F/T289A, now showing a structured global distribution. Using hierarchical clustering and multivariate analysis of 4,049 A. fumigatus isolates collected worldwide and genotyped at nine microsatellite loci using analysis of short tandem repeats of A. fumigatus (STRAf), we show that A. fumigatus can be subdivided into two broad clades and that cyp51A alleles TR34/L98H and TR46/Y121F/T289A are unevenly distributed across these two populations. Diversity indices show that azole-resistant isolates are genetically depauperate compared to their wild-type counterparts, compatible with selective sweeps accompanying the selection of beneficial mutations. Strikingly, we found that azole-resistant clones with identical microsatellite profiles were globally distributed and sourced from both clinical and environmental locations, confirming that azole resistance is an international public health concern. Our work provides a framework for the analysis of A. fumigatus isolates based on their microsatellite profile, which we have incorporated into a freely available, user-friendly R Shiny application (AfumID) that provides clinicians and researchers with a method for the fast, automated characterization of A. fumigatus genetic relatedness. Our study highlights the effect that azole drug resistance is having on the genetic diversity of A. fumigatus and emphasizes its global importance upon this medically important pathogenic fungus.IMPORTANCE Azole drug resistance in the human-pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus continues to emerge, potentially leading to untreatable aspergillosis in immunosuppressed hosts. Two dominant, environmentally associated resistance mechanisms, which are thought to have evolved through selection by the agricultural application of azole fungicides, are now distributed globally. Understanding the effect that azole resistance is having on the genetic diversity and global population of A. fumigatus will help mitigate drug-resistant aspergillosis and maintain the azole class of fungicides for future use in both medicine and crop protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Sewell
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jianing Zhu
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Johanna Rhodes
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ferry Hagen
- Department of Medical Mycology, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jacques F Meis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Centre of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/Canisius-Wilhelmina Ziekenhuis (CWZ), Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Matthew C Fisher
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thibaut Jombart
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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17
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Aljohani R, Samarasinghe H, Ashu T, Xu J. Diversity and relationships among strains of culturable yeasts in agricultural soils in Cameroon. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15687. [PMID: 30356081 PMCID: PMC6200750 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34122-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Yeasts are unicellular fungi; they are found in a diverse range of natural habitats, including soil, aquatic environments, the surface of plants, and the skin and mucosal surfaces of animal hosts. A variety of yeasts have been found in the soil environment. However, most studies of soil yeasts have come from developed countries, and there is a dearth of research on soil yeasts in Africa. In this study, we analyzed 493 soil samples from nine geographical locations in Cameroon for yeasts, using a culture - based method. A total of 110 yeast isolates were obtained. Based on their sequences at the fungal barcode locus, the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) regions of the nuclear ribosomal RNA gene cluster, the 110 yeast isolates were putatively identified as belonging to 16 yeast species, including 15 Ascomycetes and one Basidiomycete. Differences in yeast species distribution were observed among the analyzed geographic regions. PCR fingerprinting analyses identified a large number of genotypes among strains within each of the obtained yeast species. Significantly, there was little evidence of geographic clustering among yeast strains from any of the yeast species. Our results suggest that Cameroon contains significant yeast diversity and that gene flow is common among local and regional soil yeast populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renad Aljohani
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Himeshi Samarasinghe
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Tabi Ashu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4K1, Canada.
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Ashu EE, Xu J. Strengthening the One Health Agenda: The Role of Molecular Epidemiology in Aspergillus Threat Management. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9070359. [PMID: 30029491 PMCID: PMC6071254 DOI: 10.3390/genes9070359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The United Nations’ One Health initiative advocates the collaboration of multiple sectors within the global and local health authorities toward the goal of better public health management outcomes. The emerging global health threat posed by Aspergillus species is an example of a management challenge that would benefit from the One Health approach. In this paper, we explore the potential role of molecular epidemiology in Aspergillus threat management and strengthening of the One Health initiative. Effective management of Aspergillus at a public health level requires the development of rapid and accurate diagnostic tools to not only identify the infecting pathogen to species level, but also to the level of individual genotype, including drug susceptibility patterns. While a variety of molecular methods have been developed for Aspergillus diagnosis, their use at below-species level in clinical settings has been very limited, especially in resource-poor countries and regions. Here we provide a framework for Aspergillus threat management and describe how molecular epidemiology and experimental evolution methods could be used for predicting resistance through drug exposure. Our analyses highlight the need for standardization of loci and methods used for molecular diagnostics, and surveillance across Aspergillus species and geographic regions. Such standardization will enable comparisons at national and global levels and through the One Health approach, strengthen Aspergillus threat management efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eta E Ashu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, Ontario, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, Ontario, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
- Public Research Laboratory, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 571199, China.
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