A flucytosine-resistant Cryptococcus neoformans (serotype D) strain isolated in turkey from cutaneous lesions

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Published on: March 19, 2015

A S Kantarcioglu1, A Yücel

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, 34303 Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey. s.kantarcioglu@superonline.com

Medical Mycology
|December 5, 2002
PubMed

Insights

This study identified a Cryptococcus neoformans strain resistant to 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) in Turkey. This antifungal resistance is rare and may impact cryptococcosis treatment outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Antimicrobial Resistance
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Cryptococcosis is a serious fungal infection, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Antifungal susceptibility testing is crucial for guiding treatment decisions.
  • Primary antifungal resistance in Cryptococcus neoformans is uncommon.

Observation:

  • A Cryptococcus neoformans strain was isolated from cutaneous lesions of a patient with thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura.
  • The isolate belonged to serotype D.
  • In vitro testing evaluated susceptibility to seven antifungal agents.

Findings:

  • The Cryptococcus neoformans strain demonstrated susceptibility to fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, and miconazole.
  • The strain exhibited resistance to 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC).
  • Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were 1 µg/mL for amphotericin B and 4 µg/mL for terbinafine.

Implications:

  • This is the first reported case of primary 5-fluorocytosine resistance in Cryptococcus neoformans in Turkey.
  • Primary resistance to 5-FC can be associated with treatment failure in cryptococcosis.
  • The findings highlight the importance of monitoring antifungal resistance patterns in endemic regions.

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