Molecular identification of Fusarium species complex isolated from clinical samples and its antifungal susceptibility...

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Clinical Microbiology
• Fungal Biodiversity

Background:

• Fusarium species are a significant cause of human infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
• Accurate identification of Fusarium species is crucial due to evolving nomenclature and varying clinical relevance.
• There is a lack of data on Fusarium species and their antifungal susceptibility in Northern India.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify Fusarium species from clinical isolates in Northern India using molecular techniques.
• To determine the in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) patterns of these Fusarium isolates against various antifungal agents.
• To address the data gap concerning Fusarium infections in the specified region.

Main Methods:

• Clinical Fusarium isolates were subjected to molecular identification at the Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute.
• Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using the microbroth dilution method, following CLSI M38-A2 guidelines.

Main Results:

• Fusarium species were isolated from 33 patients with various infections including keratitis, onychomycosis, and sinusitis.
• The most prevalent species complexes were Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC), Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC), and Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti species complex (FIESC).
• All Fusarium isolates exhibited lower MICs for amphotericin B compared to other tested antifungal drugs.

Conclusions:

• Molecular identification revealed a diverse range of Fusarium species causing infections in Northern India.
• Amphotericin B demonstrated the most potent in vitro activity against the clinical Fusarium isolates studied.
• These findings highlight the importance of accurate Fusarium species identification and provide guidance for antifungal therapy in the region.