Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Isolation of Culturable Yeasts and Molds from Soils to Investigate Fungal Population Structure
10:33

Isolation of Culturable Yeasts and Molds from Soils to Investigate Fungal Population Structure

Published on: May 27, 2022

Antifungal resistance mechanisms of Aspergillus

Jianjun Qiao1, Wei Liu, Ruoyu Li

  • 1Peking University First Hospital, Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, China.

Nihon Ishinkin Gakkai Zasshi = Japanese Journal of Medical Mycology
|August 12, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is rising in immunocompromised patients, with antifungal resistance hindering treatment. This review details the molecular mechanisms of resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Invasive aspergillosis (IA), often caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, is increasingly prevalent in immunocompromised individuals.
  • IA is a significant cause of mortality in this patient population.
  • Treatment failures are frequently linked to the emergence of antifungal resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the known molecular mechanisms of antifungal resistance in Aspergillus species.
  • To specifically focus on resistance mechanisms in Aspergillus fumigatus.
  • To provide an overview of the increasing challenge of triazole-resistant strains.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of published studies.
  • Analysis of reported clinical strains and resistance mechanisms.
  • Synthesis of information on molecular pathways of resistance.

Main Results:

  • Reports of triazole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus clinical strains have increased since 1997.
  • Various molecular mechanisms contribute to antifungal resistance in Aspergillus.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for combating treatment failure.

Conclusions:

  • Antifungal resistance, particularly to azoles, is a growing concern in Aspergillus fumigatus infections.
  • Molecular mechanisms underpin this resistance, necessitating further research.
  • Effective therapeutic strategies require a deep understanding of these resistance pathways.

More Related Videos

Whole Genome Sequencing of Candida glabrata for Detection of Markers of Antifungal Drug Resistance08:45

Whole Genome Sequencing of Candida glabrata for Detection of Markers of Antifungal Drug Resistance

Published on: December 28, 2017

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis09:52

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis

Published on: March 9, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Antifungal Agents01:15

Antifungal Agents

Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that exploits structural differences between fungal and mammalian cell membranes. Its amphipathic structure—featuring a hydrophobic polyene-lactone ring and a hydrophilic region containing mycosamine and carboxylic acid groups—enables selective binding to ergosterol, a sterol predominantly found in fungal plasma membranes. This selective interaction underlies the drug’s antifungal activity, although weak binding to cholesterol contributes to...
Fungal Phylum Ascomycota01:28

Fungal Phylum Ascomycota

Phylum Ascomycota, a major division within the subkingdom Dikarya, comprises a diverse range of fungal species, including both unicellular yeasts and filamentous molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi thrive in a variety of habitats, from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial environments, playing crucial ecological and economic roles.Morphology and ReproductionThe defining characteristic of Ascomycetes, commonly referred to as sac fungi, is the ascus—a sac-like structure that...
Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA01:25

Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria arises when microorganisms evolve the ability to withstand drugs designed to kill them or inhibit their growth, rendering once-effective treatments useless. This phenomenon, driven by genetic change and selection under antibiotic exposure, poses a profound threat to modern medicine. Mechanisms include drug-inactivating enzymes (e.g., β-lactamases), efflux pumps that eject antibiotics, mutations altering antibiotic targets, decreased drug uptake, and acquisition...
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
Development of Antibiotic Resistance01:30

Development of Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern that arises when bacteria evolve mechanisms to withstand the effects of antibiotic treatments. This resistance can be intrinsic, acquired through genetic mutations, or transferred between bacteria via horizontal gene transfer. The development of antibiotic resistance poses significant challenges in treating bacterial infections and necessitates ongoing research to develop new therapeutic strategies.Intrinsic resistance occurs when bacterial...
Overview of Fungi01:29

Overview of Fungi

Fungi are a diverse group of eukaryotes more closely related to animals than other eukaryotes. Fungal cell walls comprise chitin, a polysaccharide that provides structural strength, and glucans, which contribute to flexibility and integrity. Other polysaccharides, such as mannans and galactosans, may supplement or replace chitin in some fungi. These adaptations, along with their preference for acidic environments and tolerance for high osmotic pressure, enable fungi to thrive in various...