[en] Azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus (ARAf) is becoming a worldwide health threat due to increasing occurrence in the environment. However, environmental surveillance programs are not commonly in place and are lacking in Belgium. Since no data on the occurrence of ARAf and the presence of hotspots for the selection of azole resistance is available in Belgium, a first study on the prevalence of ARAf in the environment was conducted. A total of 232 air and compost or soil samples were taken from two composting facilities, and from horticultural and agricultural crops. The azole susceptibility pattern was determined using the EUCAST method (E. Def. 9.4), and the cyp51A gene and its promotor region were sequenced in A. fumigatus isolates with phenotypic azole resistance. Six pan-azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates were identified, originating from compost and horticultural crops. Four isolates carried the TR34/L98H mutation, and one isolate carried the TR46/Y121F/T289A mutation. However, we did not observe any ARAf isolates from agricultural crops. In conclusion, this study reported the first TR34/L98H and TR46/Y121F/T289A mutation isolated from a composting facility and horticulture in Belgium. The implementation of standardization in environmental surveillance of A. fumigatus on a European level would be beneficial in order to identify hotspots. [en] The ubiquitous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus can cause serious invasive diseases in humans. Due to the extensive use of environmental azoles, an increase of clinical infections with azole-resistant A. fumigatus is seen. This pilot study aimed to estimate the prevalence of azole-resistant A. fumigatus in environmental reservoirs in Belgium.
Disciplines :
Veterinary medicine & animal health
Author, co-author :
Debergh, Hanne ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals and Health (FARAH) ; Mycology and Aerobiology, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
Castelain, Philippe ; Unit Risk & Health Impact Assessment, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
Goens, Karine; Mycology and Aerobiology, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
Lefevere, Paulien; Mycology and Aerobiology, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
Claessens, Jessie; Mycology and Aerobiology, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
De Vits, Elien; Mycology and Aerobiology, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
Bataille, Charlotte; CRA-W, Plant and Forest Health Unit, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
Saegerman, Claude ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des maladies infectieuses et parasitaires (DMI) > Epidémiologie et analyse des risques appliqués aux sciences vétérinaires
Packeu, Ann; Mycology and Aerobiology, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium ; BCCM/IHEM, Mycology and Aerobiology, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
Language :
English
Title :
Detection of pan-azole resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in horticulture and a composting facility in Belgium.
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