Study finds increasing rates of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in Denmark’s environment, posing challenges for patient management.
- Azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus fungi has increased over the past 25 years, with selection of azole-resistant strains occurring in the environment.
- A study in Denmark found an increasing rate of environmentally acquired azole-resistant A. fumigatus in patients with cystic fibrosis, rising from 1.5% to 3.6% between 2007 and 2018.
- Hot spots for azole-resistant A. fumigatus include flower bulb production, plant waste piles, and composting heaps, while cold spots include animal manure and arable farming.
- Environmental sampling in Denmark revealed the presence of azole-resistant A. fumigatus in various settings, including agricultural fields, produce, flower beds, soil, compost, and manure heaps.
- The study highlighted the need to avoid dual use of azoles in human medicine and plant protection to slow the rise in rates of resistance in A. fumigatus.
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Infectious Diseases, Public Health & Prevention, Pulmonary Medicine, Microbiology