Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 12, 2026

Protocols for Robust Herbicide Resistance Testing in Different Weed Species
10:52

Protocols for Robust Herbicide Resistance Testing in Different Weed Species

Published on: July 2, 2015

15.2K

Azole-Resistance in Aspergillus terreus and Related Species: An Emerging Problem or a Rare Phenomenon?

Tamara Zoran1, Bettina Sartori1, Laura Sappl1

  • 1Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.

Frontiers in Microbiology
|April 13, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Invasive mold infections caused by Aspergillus species are a significant threat. This study found that while Aspergillus terreus is prevalent, 5.4% of strains show resistance to posaconazole, a key antifungal drug.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Invasive mold infections, particularly those caused by Aspergillus species, are a major cause of mortality in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Aspergillus section Fumigati and Terrei are the most frequent etiological agents, but the prevalence of Aspergillus terreus and related species, along with their azole resistance, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency of Aspergillus terreus and phenotypically related species in clinical isolates.
  • To assess the antifungal susceptibility of these isolates to posaconazole, voriconazole, and itraconazole.
  • To correlate azole resistance phenotypes with specific mutations in the cyp51A gene.

Main Methods:

  • Molecular identification of 498 Aspergillus terreus and related isolates using beta-tubulin gene sequencing.
  • Antifungal susceptibility testing against posaconazole, voriconazole, and itraconazole according to EUCAST clinical breakpoints.
  • Genomic analysis to identify point mutations in the cyp51A gene associated with drug resistance.

Main Results:

  • Aspergillus terreus was the predominant species (86.8%), followed by A. citrinoterreus (8.4%).
  • Overall azole resistance was detected in 5.4% of isolates; 6.2% of A. terreus sensu stricto were posaconazole-resistant, with geographic variations.
  • Posaconazole resistance was linked to M217T/V mutations in the cyp51A gene, while resistance to voriconazole was rare and itraconazole resistance was absent.

Conclusions:

  • Aspergillus terreus and A. citrinoterreus are the most common species causing invasive infections.
  • A significant proportion of A. terreus sensu stricto isolates exhibit posaconazole resistance, necessitating careful monitoring and treatment strategies.
  • Antifungal resistance patterns vary geographically, highlighting the importance of regional surveillance for effective management of invasive aspergillosis.
Keywords:
Aspergillus section TerreiCyp51A alterationsazolescryptic speciessusceptibility profiles

More Related Videos

A Two-Step Protocol for Umpolung Functionalization of Ketones Via Enolonium Species08:12

A Two-Step Protocol for Umpolung Functionalization of Ketones Via Enolonium Species

Published on: August 16, 2018

10.6K
Customization of Aspergillus niger Morphology Through Addition of Talc Micro Particles10:51

Customization of Aspergillus niger Morphology Through Addition of Talc Micro Particles

Published on: March 15, 2012

19.7K

Related Concept Videos

What is a Species?01:17

What is a Species?

Overview
50.6K
Tip-of-the-Tongue Phenomenon01:10

Tip-of-the-Tongue Phenomenon

The tip-of-the-tongue (TOT) phenomenon is a cognitive experience characterized by a temporary inability to retrieve specific information from memory despite having a strong feeling of knowing the information. Although individuals cannot access the target word or detail, they frequently recall related elements, such as its initial letter, syllable count, or context. This partial retrieval often causes frustration, as one might recognize a familiar face or know that a name starts with a specific...
534
Emerging Adulthood01:27

Emerging Adulthood

Jeffrey Arnett's concept of emerging adulthood offers a framework to understand the unique developmental stage between adolescence and full-fledged adulthood, generally from ages 18 to 25. This period is marked by extensive exploration and shifts in identity, relationships, and career choices, a process known in psychology as role experimentation. Emerging adulthood reflects the evolving cultural expectations surrounding adulthood and the dynamic process of personal transformation during...
725
Keystone Species01:39

Keystone Species

Measures of species biodiversity, such as richness (i.e., the number of species present) and evenness (i.e., their relative abundance), describe an ecological community’s structure. Many factors affect community structure, including abiotic factors (e.g., sunlight and nutrients), disturbances (e.g., fire or flood), species interactions (e.g., predation or competition), and chance events (e.g., foreign species invasion). Certain species—such as keystone species—also play a...
25.0K
Formation of Species01:31

Formation of Species

Speciation describes the formation of one or more new species from one or sometimes multiple original species. The resulting species are discrete from the parent species, and barriers to reproduction will typically exist. There are two primary mechanisms, speciation with and without geographic isolation—allopatric and sympatric speciation, respectively.
45.4K
Introduction Cardiac Emergencies01:30

Introduction Cardiac Emergencies

Cardiac emergencies are critical situations involving the heart that require immediate medical intervention to prevent severe complications or death. These emergencies often arise from underlying heart conditions that impair the heart's ability to function correctly.Types of Cardiac EmergenciesThe most common types of cardiac emergencies include Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac arrest, and heart failure.Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)...
379