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Debergh H, Castelain P, Goens K, Lefevere P, Claessens J, De Vits E, Vissers M, Blindeman L, Bataille C, Saegerman C, Packeu A. Detection of pan-azole resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in horticulture and a composting facility in Belgium. Med Mycol 2024; 62:myae055. [PMID: 38769604 PMCID: PMC11223581 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myae055] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus (ARAf) is becoming a worldwide health threat due to increasing occurrence in the environment. However, environmental surveillance programs are not commonly in place and are lacking in Belgium. Since no data on the occurrence of ARAf and the presence of hotspots for the selection of azole resistance is available in Belgium, a first study on the prevalence of ARAf in the environment was conducted. A total of 232 air and compost or soil samples were taken from two composting facilities, and from horticultural and agricultural crops. The azole susceptibility pattern was determined using the EUCAST method (E. Def. 9.4), and the cyp51A gene and its promotor region were sequenced in A. fumigatus isolates with phenotypic azole resistance. Six pan-azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates were identified, originating from compost and horticultural crops. Four isolates carried the TR34/L98H mutation, and one isolate carried the TR46/Y121F/T289A mutation. However, we did not observe any ARAf isolates from agricultural crops. In conclusion, this study reported the first TR34/L98H and TR46/Y121F/T289A mutation isolated from a composting facility and horticulture in Belgium. The implementation of standardization in environmental surveillance of A. fumigatus on a European level would be beneficial in order to identify hotspots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne Debergh
- Mycology and Aerobiology, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH) Center, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Karine Goens
- Mycology and Aerobiology, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | - Elien De Vits
- Mycology and Aerobiology, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marc Vissers
- Ornamental Plant Research, PCS, 9070 Destelbergen, Belgium
| | | | | | - Claude Saegerman
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH) Center, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Ann Packeu
- Mycology and Aerobiology, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- BCCM/IHEM, Mycology and Aerobiology, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
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Wang C, Miller N, Vines D, Severns PM, Momany M, Brewer MT. Azole resistance mechanisms and population structure of the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus on retail plant products. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0205623. [PMID: 38651929 PMCID: PMC11107156 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02056-23] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous saprotroph and human-pathogenic fungus that is life-threatening to the immunocompromised. Triazole-resistant A. fumigatus was found in patients without prior treatment with azoles, leading researchers to conclude that resistance had developed in agricultural environments where azoles are used against plant pathogens. Previous studies have documented azole-resistant A. fumigatus across agricultural environments, but few have looked at retail plant products. Our objectives were to determine if azole-resistant A. fumigatus is prevalent in retail plant products produced in the United States (U.S.), as well as to identify the resistance mechanism(s) and population genetic structure of these isolates. Five hundred twenty-five isolates were collected from retail plant products and screened for azole resistance. Twenty-four isolates collected from compost, soil, flower bulbs, and raw peanuts were pan-azole resistant. These isolates had the TR34/L98H, TR46/Y121F/T289A, G448S, and H147Y cyp51A alleles, all known to underly pan-azole resistance, as well as WT alleles, suggesting that non-cyp51A mechanisms contribute to pan-azole resistance in these isolates. Minimum spanning networks showed two lineages containing isolates with TR alleles or the F46Y/M172V/E427K allele, and discriminant analysis of principle components identified three primary clusters. This is consistent with previous studies detecting three clades of A. fumigatus and identifying pan-azole-resistant isolates with TR alleles in a single clade. We found pan-azole resistance in U.S. retail plant products, particularly compost and flower bulbs, which indicates a risk of exposure to these products for susceptible populations and that highly resistant isolates are likely distributed worldwide on these products.IMPORTANCEAspergillus fumigatus has recently been designated as a critical fungal pathogen by the World Health Organization. It is most deadly to people with compromised immune systems, and with the emergence of antifungal resistance to multiple azole drugs, this disease carries a nearly 100% fatality rate without treatment or if isolates are resistant to the drugs used to treat the disease. It is important to determine the relatedness and origins of resistant A. fumigatus isolates in the environment, including plant-based retail products, so that factors promoting the development and propagation of resistant isolates can be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Wang
- Fungal Biology Group, Plant Pathology Department, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Natalie Miller
- Fungal Biology Group, Plant Pathology Department, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Douglas Vines
- Fungal Biology Group, Plant Pathology Department, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Paul M. Severns
- Fungal Biology Group, Plant Pathology Department, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Michelle Momany
- Fungal Biology Group, Plant Biology Department, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Marin T. Brewer
- Fungal Biology Group, Plant Pathology Department, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
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Yang S, Yin Y, Zhang W, Li H, Wang X, Chen R. Advances in understanding bioaerosol release characteristics and potential hazards during aerobic composting. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171796. [PMID: 38513848 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Bioaerosol emissions and their associated risks are attracting increasing attention. Bioaerosols are generated during the pretreatment, fermentation, and screening of mature compost when processing various types of solid waste at composting plants (e.g., municipal sludge and animal manure). In this review, we summarize research into bioaerosols at different types of composting plants by focusing on the methods used for sampling bioaerosols, stages when emissions potentially occur, major components of bioaerosols, survival and diffusion factors, and possible control strategies. The six-stage Andersen impactor is the main method used for sampling bioaerosols in composting plants. In addition, different composting management methods mainly affect bioaerosol emissions from composting plants. Studies of the components of bioaerosols produced by composting plants mainly focused on bacteria and fungi, whereas few considered others such as endotoxin. The survival and diffusion of bioaerosols are influenced by seasonal effects due to changes in environmental factors, such as temperature and relative humidity. Finally, three potential strategies have been proposed for controlling bioaerosols in composting plants. Improved policies are required for regulating bioaerosol emissions, as well as bioaerosol concentration diffusion models and measures to protect human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Yang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China
| | - Yanan Yin
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China; International S&T Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development, Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China.
| | - Wenrong Zhang
- School of Building Services Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China
| | - Haichao Li
- Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lennart Hjelms väg 9, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Xiaochang Wang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China; International S&T Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development, Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China
| | - Rong Chen
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China; International S&T Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development, Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China
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Atamna A, Yeshurun M, Shargian L, Raanani P, Kramer M, Ben Zvi H, Ben Ami R, Marr KA, Bishara J. Fatal invasive pulmonary and cerebral aspergillosis due to triazole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus with multiple CYP51A mutations. J Antimicrob Chemother 2024; 79:1191-1192. [PMID: 38334380 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkae038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Atamna
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah-Tikva, Israel
- Tel Aviv Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
| | - Moshe Yeshurun
- Tel Aviv Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Institute of Hematology, Davidoff Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Liat Shargian
- Tel Aviv Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Institute of Hematology, Davidoff Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Pia Raanani
- Tel Aviv Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
- Institute of Hematology, Davidoff Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Mordechai Kramer
- Tel Aviv Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
- Institute of Pulmonary and Allergy Medicine, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah-Tikva, Israel
| | - Haim Ben Zvi
- Tel Aviv Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah-Tikva, Israel
| | - Ronen Ben Ami
- Tel Aviv Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- National Reference Laboratory for Clinical Mycology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Kieren A Marr
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jihad Bishara
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah-Tikva, Israel
- Tel Aviv Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
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M. Jimenez Madrid A, Paul RA, Rotondo F, Deblais L, Rajashekara G, Miller SA, Ivey MLL. Triazole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus isolated from a tomato production environment exposed to propiconazole. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0001724. [PMID: 38534143 PMCID: PMC11022574 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00017-24] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus (ARAf) across the world is an important public health concern. We sought to determine if propiconazole, a demethylase inhibitor (DMI) fungicide, exerted a selective pressure for ARAf in a tomato production environment following multiple exposures to the fungicide. A tomato field trial was established in 2019 and propiconazole was applied weekly until harvest. Soil, leaf, and fruit (when present) samples were collected at baseline and after each propiconazole application. A. fumigatus isolates (n, 178) were recovered and 173 were tested for susceptibility to itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, and propiconazole in accordance with CLSI M38 guidelines. All the isolates were susceptible to medical triazoles and the propiconazole MIC ranged from 0.25 to 8 mg/L. A linear regression model was fitted that showed no longitudinal increment in the log2-fold azole MIC of the isolates collected after each propiconazole exposure compared to the baseline isolates. AsperGenius real-time multiplex assay ruled out TR34/L98H and TR46/Y121F/T289A cyp51A resistance markers in these isolates. Sequencing of a subset of isolates (n, 46) demonstrated widespread presence of F46Y/M172V/E427K and F46Y/M172V/N248T/D255E/E427K cyp51A mutations previously associated with reduced susceptibility to triazoles. IMPORTANCE The agricultural use of azole fungicides to control plant diseases has been implicated as a major contributor to ARAf infections in humans. Our study did not reveal imposition of selection pressure for ARAf in a vegetable production system. However, more surveillance studies for ARAf in food crop production and other environments are warranted in understanding this public and One Health issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra M. Jimenez Madrid
- Department of Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences-Wooster, Wooster, Ohio, USA
| | - Raees A. Paul
- Department of Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences-Wooster, Wooster, Ohio, USA
| | - Francesca Rotondo
- Department of Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences-Wooster, Wooster, Ohio, USA
| | - Loic Deblais
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Food Animal Health, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences-Wooster, Wooster, Ohio, USA
| | - Gireesh Rajashekara
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Food Animal Health, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences-Wooster, Wooster, Ohio, USA
| | - Sally A. Miller
- Department of Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences-Wooster, Wooster, Ohio, USA
| | - Melanie L. Lewis Ivey
- Department of Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences-Wooster, Wooster, Ohio, USA
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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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Zhu G, Chen S, Zhang Y, Lu L. Mitochondrial Membrane-Associated Protein Mba1 Confers Antifungal Resistance by Affecting the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species in Aspergillus fumigatus. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0022523. [PMID: 37428039 PMCID: PMC10433838 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00225-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Azole resistance in the human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus is becoming a major threat to global health. To date, mutations in the azole target-encoding cyp51A gene have been implicated in conferring azole resistance, but a steady increase in the number of A. fumigatus isolates with azole resistance resulting from non-cyp51A mutations has been recognized. Previous studies have revealed that some isolates with non-cyp51A mutation-induced azole resistance are related to mitochondrial dysfunction. However, knowledge of the molecular mechanism underlying the involvement of non-cyp51A mutations is limited. In this study, using next-generation sequencing, we found that nine independent azole-resistant isolates without cyp51A mutations had normal mitochondrial membrane potential. Among these isolates, a mutation in a mitochondrial ribosome-binding protein, Mba1, conferred multidrug resistance to azoles, terbinafine, and amphotericin B but not caspofungin. Molecular characterization verified that the TIM44 domain of Mba1 was crucial for drug resistance and that the N terminus of Mba1 played a major role in growth. Deletion of mba1 had no effect on Cyp51A expression but decreased the fungal cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, which contributed to mba1-mediated drug resistance. The findings in this study suggest that some non-cyp51A proteins drive drug resistance mechanisms that result from reduced ROS production induced by antifungals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoxing Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shu Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
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8
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D'Angelo EM. Diversity of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes expressed in Class A biosolids and biosolids-amended soil as revealed by metatranscriptomic analysis. Lett Appl Microbiol 2023; 76:ovad097. [PMID: 37596067 DOI: 10.1093/lambio/ovad097] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Class A biosolids is a treated sewage sludge, commonly applied to agricultural fields, home lawns/gardens, golf courses, forests, and remediation sites around the world. This practice is of public and agricultural concern due to the possibility that biosolids contain antibiotic-resistant bacteria and fungal pathogens that could persist for extended periods in soil. This possibility was determined by metatranscriptomic analysis of virulence, antibiotic resistance, and plasmid conjugation genes, a Class A biosolids, organically managed soil, and biosolids-amended soil under realistic conditions. Biosolids harbored numerous transcriptionally active pathogens, antibiotic resistance genes, and conjugative genes that annotated mostly to Gram-positive pathogens of animal hosts. Biosolids amendment to soil significantly increased the expression of virulence genes by numerous pathogens and antibiotic-resistant genes that were strongly associated with biosolids. Biosolids amendment also significantly increased the expression of virulence genes by native soil fungal pathogens of plant hosts, which suggests higher risks of crop damage by soil fungal pathogens in biosolids-amended soil. Although results are likely to be different in other soils, biosolids, and microbial growth conditions, they provide a more holistic, accurate view of potential health risks associated with biosolids and biosolids-amended soils than has been achievable with more selective cultivation and PCR-based techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Marie D'Angelo
- Plant and Soil Sciences Department, University of Kentucky, N-122 Agricultural Science Center North, Lexington, KY 40546, United States
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9
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Shelton JMG, Rhodes J, Uzzell CB, Hemmings S, Brackin AP, Sewell TR, Alghamdi A, Dyer PS, Fraser M, Borman AM, Johnson EM, Piel FB, Singer AC, Fisher MC. Citizen science reveals landscape-scale exposures to multiazole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus bioaerosols. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh8839. [PMID: 37478175 PMCID: PMC10361594 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh8839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Using a citizen science approach, we identify a country-wide exposure to aerosolized spores of a human fungal pathogen, Aspergillus fumigatus, that has acquired resistance to the agricultural fungicide tebuconazole and first-line azole clinical antifungal drugs. Genomic analysis shows no distinction between resistant genotypes found in the environment and in patients, indicating that at least 40% of azole-resistant A. fumigatus infections are acquired from environmental exposures. Hotspots and coldspots of aerosolized azole-resistant spores were not stable between seasonal sampling periods. This suggests a high degree of atmospheric mixing resulting in an estimated per capita cumulative annual exposure of 21 days (±2.6). Because of the ubiquity of this measured exposure, it is imperative that we determine sources of azole-resistant A. fumigatus to reduce treatment failure in patients with aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M. G. Shelton
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Johanna Rhodes
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Christopher B. Uzzell
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Samuel Hemmings
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Amelie P. Brackin
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Thomas R. Sewell
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Asmaa Alghamdi
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Paul S. Dyer
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Mark Fraser
- UK National Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Infections Service, Public Health England, Science Quarter, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Andrew M. Borman
- UK National Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Infections Service, Public Health England, Science Quarter, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Elizabeth M. Johnson
- UK National Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Infections Service, Public Health England, Science Quarter, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Frédéric B. Piel
- NIHR HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Matthew C. Fisher
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
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10
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Approach to the diagnosis of invasive fungal infections of the respiratory tract in the immunocompromised host. Curr Opin Pulm Med 2023; 29:149-159. [PMID: 36917216 DOI: 10.1097/mcp.0000000000000955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The burden of invasive fungal infection is increasing worldwide, largely due to a growing population at-risk. Most serious human fungal pathogens enter the host via the respiratory tract. Early identification and treatment of invasive fungal respiratory infections (IFRIs) in the immunocompromised host saves lives. However, their accurate diagnosis is a difficult challenge for clinicians and mortality remains high. RECENT FINDINGS This article reviews IFRIs, focussing on host susceptibility factors, clinical presentation, and mycological diagnosis. Several new diagnostic tools are coming of age including molecular diagnostics and point-of-care antigen tests. As diagnosis of IFRI relies heavily on invasive procedures like bronchoalveolar lavage and lung biopsy, several novel noninvasive diagnostic techniques are in development, such as metagenomics, 'volatilomics' and advanced imaging technologies. SUMMARY Where IFRI cannot be proven, clinicians must employ a 'weights-of-evidence' approach to evaluate host factors, clinical and mycological data. Implementation studies are needed to understand how new diagnostic tools can be best applied within clinical pathways. Differentiating invasive infection from colonization and identifying antifungal resistance remain key challenges. As our diagnostic arsenal expands, centralized clinical mycology laboratories and efforts to ensure access to new diagnostics in low-resource settings will become increasingly important.
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Verweij PE, Arendrup MC, Alastruey-Izquierdo A, Gold JAW, Lockhart SR, Chiller T, White PL. Dual use of antifungals in medicine and agriculture: How do we help prevent resistance developing in human pathogens? Drug Resist Updat 2022; 65:100885. [PMID: 36283187 PMCID: PMC10693676 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2022.100885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus is a One Health resistance threat, where azole fungicide exposure compromises the efficacy of medical azoles. The use of the recently authorized fungicide ipflufenoquin, which shares its mode-of-action with a new antifungal olorofim, underscores the need for risk assessment for dual use of antifungals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E Verweij
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Radboudumc-CWZ Center of Expertise for Mycology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Centre for Infectious Diseases Research, Diagnostics and Laboratory Surveillance, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.
| | - Maiken C Arendrup
- Unit for Mycology, Statens Serum Insitut, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Jeremy A W Gold
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Shawn R Lockhart
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Tom Chiller
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - P Lewis White
- Public Health Wales Mycology Reference Laboratory, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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Gow NAR, Johnson C, Berman J, Coste AT, Cuomo CA, Perlin DS, Bicanic T, Harrison TS, Wiederhold N, Bromley M, Chiller T, Edgar K. The importance of antimicrobial resistance in medical mycology. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5352. [PMID: 36097014 PMCID: PMC9466305 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32249-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Prior to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, antibiotic resistance was listed as the major global health care priority. Some analyses, including the O'Neill report, have predicted that deaths due to drug-resistant bacterial infections may eclipse the total number of cancer deaths by 2050. Although fungal infections remain in the shadow of public awareness, total attributable annual deaths are similar to, or exceeds, global mortalities due to malaria, tuberculosis or HIV. The impact of fungal infections has been exacerbated by the steady rise of antifungal drug resistant strains and species which reflects the widespread use of antifungals for prophylaxis and therapy, and in the case of azole resistance in Aspergillus, has been linked to the widespread agricultural use of antifungals. This review, based on a workshop hosted by the Medical Research Council and the University of Exeter, illuminates the problem of antifungal resistance and suggests how this growing threat might be mitigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil A R Gow
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK.
| | - Carolyn Johnson
- Medical Research Council, Polaris House, Swindon, SN2 1FL, UK.
| | - Judith Berman
- Shmunis School of Biomedical and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 418 Britannia Building, Ramat Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Alix T Coste
- Microbiology Institute, University Hospital Lausanne, rue du Bugnon 48, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christina A Cuomo
- (CAC) Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - David S Perlin
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian health, Nutley, NJ, 07110, USA
| | - Tihana Bicanic
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, SW17 0RE, UK
- Clinical Academic Group in Infection, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, SW17 0QT, UK
| | - Thomas S Harrison
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, SW17 0RE, UK
- Clinical Academic Group in Infection, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, SW17 0QT, UK
| | - Nathan Wiederhold
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Mike Bromley
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection, and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, CTF Building, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester, M13 9NT, UK
| | - Tom Chiller
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention Mycotic Disease Branch 1600 Clifton Rd, MSC-09, Atlanta, 30333, GA, USA
| | - Keegan Edgar
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention Mycotic Disease Branch 1600 Clifton Rd, MSC-09, Atlanta, 30333, GA, USA
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