Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2025
Isolation of Culturable Yeasts and Molds from Soils to Investigate Fungal Population Structure
Published on: May 27, 2022
Characterization of Aspergillus spp. isolated from patients with coronavirus disease 2019
Masashi Ogawa1, Makoto Niki1, Waki Imoto2
1Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Osaka Metropolitan University Hospital, 1-5-7 Asahi-machi, Abeno-ku, Osaka, 545-8586, Japan.
Introduction:
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is an important complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and while there are case reports and epidemiological studies, few studies have isolated Aspergillus strains from patients. Therefore, we analyzed the strains, sensitivities, and genetic homology of Aspergillus spp. Isolated from patients with COVID-19.
Methods:
We investigated the Aspergillus strains detected from patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in Osaka Metropolitan University Hospital from December 2020 to June 2021. A molecular epidemiological analysis of Aspergillus spp. was performed using drug susceptibility tests and TRESPERG typing, and data on patient characteristics were collected from electronic medical records.
Results:
Twelve strains of Aspergillus were detected in 11 of the 122 patients (9%) with COVID-19. A. fumigatus was the most common species detected, followed by one strain each of Aspergillus aureolus, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus terreus. A. aureolus was resistant to voriconazole, and no resistance was found in other strains. All A. fumigatus strains were genetically distinct strains. Six of the 11 patients that harbored Aspergillus received antifungal drug treatment and tested positive for β-D-glucan and/or Aspergillus galactomannan antigen. The results indicated that Aspergillus infections were acquired from outside the hospital and not from nosocomial infections.
Conclusion:
Strict surveillance of Aspergillus spp. is beneficial in patients at high-risk for IPA. When Aspergillus is detected, it is important to monitor the onset of IPA carefully and identify the strain, perform drug sensitivity tests, and facilitate early administration of therapeutic agents to patients with IPA.
Insights
This study analyzed Aspergillus strains in COVID-19 patients, finding diverse species and identifying one resistant strain. Early surveillance and drug sensitivity testing are crucial for managing invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA).
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a significant complication in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.
- Limited studies have characterized Aspergillus strains isolated from COVID-19 patients.
- This study aimed to analyze the species, drug sensitivities, and genetic relatedness of Aspergillus strains from COVID-19 patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize Aspergillus species and their antifungal susceptibility in COVID-19 patients.
- To perform molecular epidemiological analysis of isolated Aspergillus strains.
- To investigate the origin of Aspergillus infections in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Main Methods:
- Molecular epidemiological analysis of Aspergillus strains using TRESPERG typing.
- Drug susceptibility testing for isolated Aspergillus species.
- Collection of patient characteristics from electronic medical records.
Main Results:
- Twelve Aspergillus strains were detected in 11 out of 122 COVID-19 patients (9%).
- Aspergillus fumigatus was the most common species; one strain of Aspergillus aureolus showed resistance to voriconazole.
- All A. fumigatus strains were genetically distinct, and infections were likely acquired externally, not nosocomially.
Conclusions:
- Strict surveillance of Aspergillus species is recommended for high-risk COVID-19 patients.
- Early identification of Aspergillus strains and their drug sensitivities is vital for managing IPA.
- Prompt administration of therapeutic agents is crucial for patients diagnosed with IPA.
More Related Videos
09:52Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
Published on: March 9, 2018
15:01Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy-Based Quantitative Analysis of Aspergillus fumigatus Conidia Distribution in Whole-Mount Optically Cleared Mouse Lung
Published on: September 18, 2021
Related Concept Videos
01:28Fungal Phylum Ascomycota
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
01:20Sputum Studies II: Culture and Sensitivity
Sputum culture and sensitivity is a medical procedure used to diagnose bacterial infections in the respiratory tract and select the most appropriate antibiotics for treatment. This process involves analyzing sputum samples of thick and opaque secretions produced in the lungs and airways. These samples are collected from patients and then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
The test can identify various pathogens responsible for respiratory infections, including Streptococcus,...