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Antifungal susceptibility profile of clinical Alternaria spp. identified by molecular methods

Ana Alastruey-Izquierdo1, Isabel Cuesta, Luis Ros

  • 1Servicio de Micología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda (Madrid), Spain. anaalastruey@isciii.es

The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
|September 17, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study analyzed antifungal susceptibility in clinical Alternaria isolates. Results showed similar antifungal activity against Alternaria alternata and Alternaria infectoria, with echinocandins being an exception.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Antimicrobial Resistance
  • Clinical Microbiology

Background:

  • Alternaria species are increasingly recognized as opportunistic fungal pathogens.
  • Clinical manifestations of Alternaria infections range from superficial to invasive diseases.
  • Understanding antifungal susceptibility patterns is crucial for effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the antifungal susceptibility profiles of clinical isolates of Alternaria species.
  • To compare the activity of various antifungals against different Alternaria species.

Main Methods:

  • Thirty-five clinical Alternaria isolates were identified using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region sequencing.
  • Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed according to European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) guidelines.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in antifungal activity were observed between Alternaria alternata and Alternaria infectoria isolates for most tested agents.
  • Echinocandins demonstrated differential activity between the two species, warranting further investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Clinical isolates of Alternaria alternata and Alternaria infectoria exhibit similar susceptibility patterns to common antifungals.
  • Echinocandins may represent a distinct therapeutic option or challenge for specific Alternaria species infections.

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