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Atypical Aspergillus flavus isolates associated with chronic azole therapy
Mary E Brandt1, Lalitha Gade, Cindy B McCloskey
1Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. mbb4@cdc.gov
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|August 7, 2009
Summary
This study describes a rare case of chronic sinus disease caused by an unusual form of Aspergillus flavus. Long-term azole antifungal drug exposure may have led to the fungus
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Chronic sinus disease can be challenging to treat.
- Fungal infections require accurate identification for effective therapy.
Observation:
- A patient presented with chronic sinus disease caused by Aspergillus flavus.
- The Aspergillus flavus isolates exhibited poor sporulation and atypical microscopic morphology.
- These atypical features initially caused confusion with other fungal genera.
Findings:
- The atypical morphology of Aspergillus flavus was observed after prolonged exposure to azole antifungal drugs.
- This suggests that azole therapy may induce morphological changes in Aspergillus flavus.
- The unusual morphology complicated the definitive identification of the fungal pathogen.
Implications:
- Accurate fungal identification is crucial for managing chronic sinus disease.
- Clinicians should consider the possibility of atypical fungal morphology in patients with prolonged antifungal treatment.
- This case highlights potential adaptive mechanisms of fungi to antifungal pressure.
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