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Antifungal susceptibility profile of clinical Fusarium spp. isolates identified by molecular methods

Ana Alastruey-Izquierdo1, Manuel Cuenca-Estrella, Araceli Monzón

  • 1Servicio de Micología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.

The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
|February 12, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study analyzed Fusarium clinical isolates, finding Amphotericin B effective against these fungi. Most tested antifungals showed poor activity, highlighting the multidrug resistance of Fusarium species.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Antimicrobial Resistance
  • Clinical Microbiology

Background:

  • Fusarium species are emerging opportunistic pathogens.
  • Clinical infections caused by Fusarium are challenging to treat due to antifungal resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the antifungal susceptibility patterns of clinical Fusarium isolates.
  • To identify the most prevalent Fusarium species in clinical settings.

Main Methods:

  • Sixty-seven Fusarium isolates were analyzed for antifungal susceptibility.
  • Species identification was performed using morphological and molecular methods, including elongation factor 1-alpha sequencing.

Main Results:

  • Six Fusarium species were identified, with Fusarium solani being the most common.
  • Amphotericin B demonstrated in vitro activity against Fusarium isolates (MIC range: 0.015–32 mg/L).
  • Itraconazole, voriconazole, ravuconazole, posaconazole, and terbinafine exhibited poor antifungal activity.

Conclusions:

  • Fusarium species, particularly Fusarium solani, are significant causes of clinical infections.
  • Limited in vitro activity of common antifungals underscores the multidrug-resistant nature of Fusarium.
  • Amphotericin B remains a potential therapeutic option for Fusarium infections, though resistance necessitates further research.

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