Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 25, 2026
08:45
Whole Genome Sequencing of Candida glabrata for Detection of Markers of Antifungal Drug Resistance
Published on: December 28, 2017
14.2K
Antifungal-resistant Mucorales in different indoor environments
Liliana Aranha Caetano1,2, Tiago Faria3, Jan Springer4
1H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
Mycology
|May 10, 2019
Summary
Mucorales fungi are prevalent in Portuguese indoor environments, particularly in air-conditioning filters. Some isolates showed resistance to common antifungal drugs like voriconazole and itraconazole.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Mycology
- Antimicrobial resistance
Background:
- Mucorales fungi are increasingly recognized for their role in indoor environments.
- Understanding their prevalence and antifungal susceptibility is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Mucorales in diverse indoor environments in Portugal.
- To assess the antifungal drug resistance of detected Mucorales isolates.
Main Methods:
- Collected 183 environmental samples from dwellings and workplaces using passive sampling (electrostatic dust collectors, air-conditioning filters).
- Utilized culture-based methods on MEA and DG18 media, alongside a Mucorales-specific real-time PCR assay (Muc18S).
- Screened isolates for resistance to voriconazole and itraconazole on azole-supplemented media.
Main Results:
- Mucorales were most prevalent in air-conditioning filters from waste-sorting facilities (35.7%).
- 16 isolates exhibited reduced susceptibility to 1 mg/L voriconazole (Mucor, Rhizopus, Rhizomucor species).
- Four isolates showed reduced susceptibility to 4 mg/L itraconazole (Mucor, Rhizopus species).
Conclusions:
- A combined approach of culture-based and molecular methods is reliable for identifying Mucorales in complex environmental samples.
- The presence of azole-resistant Mucorales in indoor environments highlights potential health concerns.
- Further research is needed to understand the implications of these findings.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Resistivity
4.4K
When a voltage is applied to a conductor, an electrical field is generated, and charges in the conductor feel the force due to the electrical field. The current density that results depends on the electrical field and the properties of the material. In some materials, including metals at a given temperature, the current density is approximately proportional to the electrical field. In these cases, the current density can be modeled as:
4.4K
01:19Resistance
5.7K
When a current moves through any conductor, the conductor causes some level of difficulty for the current to flow. The measure of that difficulty is known as the resistance of the material and is represented by R. Every material has its own resistance. In the case of conductors, heat is emitted whenever a current passes through them. Resistance depends on the resistivity of the material. Resistivity is a characteristic of the material used to fabricate electrical components, whereas the...
5.7K
01:20Gene-Environment Interactions
1.1K
Gene expression is a dynamic process that is significantly influenced by environmental factors. This interaction underlies the complex nature of biological development and the phenotypic differences observed among individuals, even among those with identical genetic makeups. Factors such as radiation, temperature, behavior, nutrition, and stress play pivotal roles in determining how genes are expressed. The concept of the reaction range is central to understanding this interaction. It posits...
1.1K
01:25Resistance and Conductance
501
A conductor's DC resistance at a given temperature is influenced by its resistivity, length, and cross-sectional area. Resistivity is an inherent property of the conductor material, with annealed copper serving as the international standard for measurement. For instance, the resistivity of hard-drawn aluminum at 20 degrees Celsius is 61% of the standard conductivity of annealed copper.
Various factors impact the resistance of a conductor. Spiraling in stranded conductors increases their...
Various factors impact the resistance of a conductor. Spiraling in stranded conductors increases their...
501
01:16Equivalent Resistance
951
In circuit analysis, situations often arise where resistors are neither in series nor parallel configurations. To tackle such scenarios, three-terminal equivalent networks like the wye (Y) (Figure 1 (a)) or tee (T) and delta (Δ) (Figure 1 (b)) or pi (π) networks come into play. These networks offer versatile solutions and are frequently encountered in various applications, including three-phase electrical systems, electrical filters, and matching networks.
951
01:20Vascular Resistance
10.4K
Vascular resistance is a critical concept in understanding blood flow dynamics in the circulatory system. It refers to the resistance that blood encounters as it flows through the blood vessels. This resistance is a key factor in determining blood pressure and cardiac workload.
The primary determinants of vascular resistance are vessel diameter, blood viscosity, and vessel length. Among these, vessel diameter plays the most significant role due to the fourth power relationship described by...
The primary determinants of vascular resistance are vessel diameter, blood viscosity, and vessel length. Among these, vessel diameter plays the most significant role due to the fourth power relationship described by...
10.4K