Aspergillus section Circumdati – Underestimated pathogens?

Ref ID: 19509

Author:

R Sabino1*, C Verí­ssimo1, KV Clemons2,3,4, DA Stevens2,3,4

Author address:

1URSZ – Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
2California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA, United States America
3Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Santa

Full conference title:

6th Advances Against Aspergillosis 2014

Abstract:

Purpose:
New Aspergillus species have been described as emergent pathogens. Variable antifungal susceptibility
profiles among species have also been reported and antifungal resistance in Aspergillus strains has
been increasing.
After environmental screening for Aspergillus, a large number of isolates from Aspergillus ochraceus
(Circumdati) complex, especially found in hospital environment, necessitated performing more
detailed studies of those isolates.
Methods:
A polyphasic approach was therefore applied in the identification of cryptic species among this
complex. Morphological features and molecular analysis (íŸ-tubulin and calmodulin sequencing)
were performed.
Results:
A high prevalence of cryptic species within that complex was detected and from the 16 isolates
analyzed, at least five different cryptic species were identified (A. ochraceus, A. westerdjikae, A.
insulicola, A. ostianus, A. sclerotium), most of them growing at 37ºC.
Antifungal susceptibility patterns of those isolates revealed high minimal inhibitory concentrations
(MIC) to amphotericin B (geometric mean = 6.17) and itraconazole (geometric mean = 3.67).
Conclusion:
Regarding the high prevalence of isolates from Circumdati complex in hospital environment, their
reduced susceptibility to several antifungals, ability to grow at 37ºC and their potential for producing
mycotoxins that could aid tissue invasion, this complex is probably underestimated as etiological
agent of infection.
This work aims to contribute to a deeper knowledge of this complex, raising the attention towards
possible infections caused by these species and the implications of their presence in hospital
environment.

Abstract Number: 37

Conference Year: 2014

Link to conference website: http://www.AAA2014.org

New link: NULL

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