Emergence of Azole Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus
Author Information
Author(s): Eveline Snelders, Henrich A. L. van der Lee, Judith Kuijpers, Anthonius J. M. M. Rijs, János Varga, Robert A. Samson, Emilia Mellado, A. Rogier T. Donders, Willem J. G. Melchers, Paul E. Verweij
Primary Institution: Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence and spread of azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus?
Conclusion
Azole resistance has emerged in Aspergillus fumigatus and might be more prevalent than currently acknowledged.
Supporting Evidence
- The study found ITZ-resistant isolates in 32 of 1,219 patients.
- Resistance was first observed in 2000, with an annual prevalence of 1.7% to 6%.
- The dominant resistance mechanism was identified as TR/L98H in the cyp51A gene.
Takeaway
Some types of mold can become resistant to medicine, making it harder to treat infections. This study found that a specific resistance is spreading in a common mold that can make people sick.
Methodology
The study analyzed 1,912 clinical A. fumigatus isolates collected over 14 years, using phenotypic and molecular methods to assess resistance.
Limitations
The study did not collect isolates from other countries with the intention to study epidemiology, limiting accurate estimates of resistance spread.
Participant Demographics
Patients with a variety of underlying conditions, including chronic lung diseases and cancer.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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