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Comparison of Two Typing Methods for Characterization of Azole Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus from Potting Soil
Hong Fan1,2,3, Yong Chen1, Liping Duan2
1Chinese PLA Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
To understand the characterizations of azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus from potting soil samples in the hospital, a total of 58 samples were collected. Among 106 A. fumigatus samples obtained, 5 isolates from 4 soil samples located in the gerontology department were identified as azole-resistant A. fumigatus (ARAF). Four ARAF isolates harbored the TR34/L98H allele, and the other one had no mutation in the cyp51A gene. Among 174 A. fumigatus samples selected for genotyping, TRESPERG typing obtained a close discriminatory power (Simpson's index of diversity [DI], 0.9941; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.9913 to 0.9968) compared with the short tandem repeat (STR) typing (DI, 0.9997; 95% CI, 0.9976 to 1.0000). Genotyping showed that the TR34/L98H isolates in the hospital had a close genetic relationship with ARAF isolates from China and many other countries. In conclusion, this study indicated the presence of ARAF in potting soil samples from the hospital, which might pose a risk of causing ARAF infection in patients.
Insights
Azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus (ARAF) was found in hospital potting soil, with some isolates carrying the TR34/L98H mutation. This finding highlights a potential infection risk for patients in healthcare settings.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Clinical mycology
- Antimicrobial resistance
Background:
- Azole antifungals are crucial for treating Aspergillus fumigatus infections.
- The emergence of azole resistance in A. fumigatus poses a significant public health threat.
- Understanding the environmental reservoirs of resistant strains is vital for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus (ARAF) in hospital potting soil.
- To identify the genetic mechanisms conferring azole resistance in ARAF isolates.
- To assess the genetic relatedness of hospital-acquired ARAF to global strains.
Main Methods:
- Collection and analysis of 58 potting soil samples from a hospital environment.
- Isolation and identification of Aspergillus fumigatus, followed by antifungal susceptibility testing.
- Genotyping of resistant isolates using TRESPERG and short tandem repeat (STR) typing to analyze the cyp51A gene and mutations like TR34/L98H.
Main Results:
- Five azole-resistant A. fumigatus (ARAF) isolates were identified from four soil samples in the gerontology department.
- Four of these ARAF isolates carried the TR34/L98H allele in the cyp51A gene; one isolate showed no cyp51A mutation.
- TRESPERG and STR typing demonstrated high discriminatory power, revealing close genetic links between hospital ARAF and international strains.
Conclusions:
- Potting soil in a hospital setting can harbor azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigigatus.
- The presence of ARAF in this environment represents a potential source for patient infections.
- Further surveillance and control measures are necessary to mitigate the risk of ARAF infections in healthcare facilities.
