1
|
Debergh H, Castelain P, Goens K, Lefevere P, Claessens J, De Vits E, Vissers M, Blindeman L, Bataille C, Saegerman C, Packeu A. Detection of pan-azole resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in horticulture and a composting facility in Belgium. Med Mycol 2024; 62:myae055. [PMID: 38769604 PMCID: PMC11223581 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myae055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanne Debergh
- Mycology and Aerobiology, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH) Center, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Karine Goens
- Mycology and Aerobiology, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | - Elien De Vits
- Mycology and Aerobiology, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marc Vissers
- Ornamental Plant Research, PCS, 9070 Destelbergen, Belgium
| | | | | | - Claude Saegerman
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH) Center, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Ann Packeu
- Mycology and Aerobiology, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- BCCM/IHEM, Mycology and Aerobiology, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rybak JM, Xie J, Martin-Vicente A, Guruceaga X, Thorn HI, Nywening AV, Ge W, Souza ACO, Shetty AC, McCracken C, Bruno VM, Parker JE, Kelly SL, Snell HM, Cuomo CA, Rogers PD, Fortwendel JR. A secondary mechanism of action for triazole antifungals in Aspergillus fumigatus mediated by hmg1. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3642. [PMID: 38684680 PMCID: PMC11059170 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48029-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Triazole antifungals function as ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitors and are frontline therapy for invasive fungal infections, such as invasive aspergillosis. The primary mechanism of action of triazoles is through the specific inhibition of a cytochrome P450 14-α-sterol demethylase enzyme, Cyp51A/B, resulting in depletion of cellular ergosterol. Here, we uncover a clinically relevant secondary mechanism of action for triazoles within the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway. We provide evidence that triazole-mediated inhibition of Cyp51A/B activity generates sterol intermediate perturbations that are likely decoded by the sterol sensing functions of HMG-CoA reductase and Insulin-Induced Gene orthologs as increased pathway activity. This, in turn, results in negative feedback regulation of HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting step of sterol biosynthesis. We also provide evidence that HMG-CoA reductase sterol sensing domain mutations previously identified as generating resistance in clinical isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus partially disrupt this triazole-induced feedback. Therefore, our data point to a secondary mechanism of action for the triazoles: induction of HMG-CoA reductase negative feedback for downregulation of ergosterol biosynthesis pathway activity. Abrogation of this feedback through acquired mutations in the HMG-CoA reductase sterol sensing domain diminishes triazole antifungal activity against fungal pathogens and underpins HMG-CoA reductase-mediated resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Rybak
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jinhong Xie
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Adela Martin-Vicente
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Xabier Guruceaga
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Harrison I Thorn
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ashley V Nywening
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Integrated Program in Biomedical Sciences, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Wenbo Ge
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ana C O Souza
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Amol C Shetty
- Institute of Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carrie McCracken
- Institute of Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vincent M Bruno
- Institute of Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Josie E Parker
- Molecular Biosciences Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Steven L Kelly
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, Wales, UK
| | - Hannah M Snell
- Infectious Diseases and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Christina A Cuomo
- Infectious Diseases and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - P David Rogers
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jarrod R Fortwendel
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zeng M, Zhou X, Yang C, Liu Y, Zhang J, Xin C, Qin G, Liu F, Song Z. Comparative analysis of the biological characteristics and mechanisms of azole resistance of clinical Aspergillus fumigatus strains. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1253197. [PMID: 38029222 PMCID: PMC10665732 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1253197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a common causative pathogen of aspergillosis. At present, triazole resistance of A. fumigatus poses an important challenge to human health globally. In this study, the biological characteristics and mechanisms of azole resistance of five A. fumigatus strains (AF1, AF2, AF4, AF5, and AF8) were explored. There were notable differences in the sporulation and biofilm formation abilities of the five test strains as compared to the standard strain AF293. The ability of strain AF1 to avoid phagocytosis by MH-S cells was significantly decreased as compared to strain AF293, while that of strains AF2, AF4, and AF5 were significantly increased. Fungal burden analysis with Galleria mellonella larvae revealed differences in pathogenicity among the five strains. Moreover, the broth microdilution and E-test assays confirmed that strains AF1 and AF2 were resistant to itraconazole and isaconazole, while strains AF4, AF5, and AF8 were resistant to voriconazole and isaconazole. Strains AF1 and AF2 carried the cyp51A mutations TR34/L98H/V242I/S297T/F495I combined with the hmg1 mutation S541G, whereas strains AF4 and AF8 carried the cyp51A mutation TR46/Y121F/V242I/T289A, while strain AF5 had no cyp51A mutation. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis revealed differences in the expression levels of genes associated with ergosterol synthesis and efflux pumps among the five strains. In addition, transcriptomics, RT-qPCR, and the NAD+/NADH ratio demonstrated that the mechanism of voriconazole resistance of strain AF5 was related to overexpression of genes associated with energy production and efflux pumps. These findings will help to further elucidate the triazole resistance mechanism in A. fumigatus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zeng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xue Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Chunhong Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yanfei Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jinping Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Caiyan Xin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Gang Qin
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Fangyan Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zhangyong Song
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Schürch S, Gindro K, Schnee S, Dubuis PH, Codina JM, Wilhelm M, Riat A, Lamoth F, Sanglard D. Occurrence of Aspergillus fumigatus azole resistance in soils from Switzerland. Med Mycol 2023; 61:myad110. [PMID: 37930839 PMCID: PMC10653585 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myad110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a fungal species causing diverse diseases in humans. The use of azoles for treatments of A. fumigatus diseases has resulted in azole resistance. Azoles are also widely used in the environment for crop protection, which resulted in azole resistance. Resistance is primarily due to mutations in cyp51A, which encodes the target protein for azoles. Here we addressed the occurrence of azole resistance in soils from a vast part of Switzerland. We aimed to associate the use of azoles in the environment with the occurrence of azole resistance. We targeted sample sites from different agricultural environments as well as sites with no agricultural practice (natural sites and urban sites). Starting from 327 sites, 113 A. fumigatus isolates were recovered (2019-2021), among which 19 were azole-resistant (15 with TR34/L98H and four with TR46/Y121F/T289A resistance mutations in cyp51A). Our results show that azole resistance was not associated with a specific agricultural practice. Azoles could be chemically detected in investigated soils, however, their presence was not associated with the occurrence of azole-resistant isolates. Interestingly, genetic markers of resistance to other fungicides were detected but only in azole-resistant isolates, thus reinforcing the notion that A. fumigatus cross-resistance to fungicides has an environmental origin. In conclusion, this study reveals the spreading of azole resistance in A. fumigatus from the environment in Switzerland. The proximity of agricultural areas to urban centers may facilitate the transmission of resistant strains to at-risk populations. Thus, vigilant surveillance is required to maintain effective treatment options for aspergillosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Schürch
- Plant Protection Research Division, Mycology Group, Agroscope, 1260 Nyon, Switzerland
| | - Katia Gindro
- Plant Protection Research Division, Mycology Group, Agroscope, 1260 Nyon, Switzerland
| | - Sylvain Schnee
- Plant Protection Research Division, Mycology Group, Agroscope, 1260 Nyon, Switzerland
| | - Pierre-Henri Dubuis
- Plant Protection Research Division, Mycology Group, Agroscope, 1260 Nyon, Switzerland
| | - Josep Massana Codina
- Plant Protection Research Division, Mycology Group, Agroscope, 1260 Nyon, Switzerland
| | - Matthieu Wilhelm
- Plant Protection Research Division, Mycology Group, Agroscope, 1260 Nyon, Switzerland
| | - Arnaud Riat
- Service of Infectious Diseases and Service of Laboratory Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals and Geneva University, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Frédéric Lamoth
- Infectious Diseases Service, Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Microbiology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Sanglard
- Institute of Microbiology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Souza ACO, Ge W, Wiederhold NP, Rybak JM, Fortwendel JR, Rogers PD. hapE and hmg1 Mutations Are Drivers of cyp51A-Independent Pan-Triazole Resistance in an Aspergillus fumigatus Clinical Isolate. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0518822. [PMID: 37140376 PMCID: PMC10269825 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05188-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous environmental mold that can cause severe disease in immunocompromised patients and chronic disease in individuals with underlying lung conditions. Triazoles are the most widely used class of antifungal drugs to treat A. fumigatus infections, but their use in the clinic is threatened by the emergence of triazole-resistant isolates worldwide, reinforcing the need for a better understanding of resistance mechanisms. The predominant mechanisms of A. fumigatus triazole resistance involve mutations affecting the promoter region or coding sequence of the target enzyme of the triazoles, Cyp51A. However, triazole-resistant isolates without cyp51A-associated mutations are frequently identified. In this study, we investigate a pan-triazole-resistant clinical isolate, DI15-105, that simultaneously carries the mutations hapEP88L and hmg1F262del, with no mutations in cyp51A. Using a Cas9-mediated gene-editing system, hapEP88L and hmg1F262del mutations were reverted in DI15-105. Here, we show that the combination of these mutations accounts for pan-triazole resistance in DI15-105. To our knowledge, DI15-105 is the first clinical isolate reported to simultaneously carry mutations in hapE and hmg1 and only the second with the hapEP88L mutation. IMPORTANCE Triazole resistance is an important cause of treatment failure and high mortality rates for A. fumigatus human infections. Although Cyp51A-associated mutations are frequently identified as the cause of A. fumigatus triazole resistance, they do not explain the resistance phenotypes for several isolates. In this study, we demonstrate that hapE and hmg1 mutations additively contribute to pan-triazole resistance in an A. fumigatus clinical isolate lacking cyp51-associated mutations. Our results exemplify the importance of and the need for a better understanding of cyp51A-independent triazole resistance mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana C. O. Souza
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Wenbo Ge
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Nathan P. Wiederhold
- Fungus Testing Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Jeffrey M. Rybak
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jarrod R. Fortwendel
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - P. David Rogers
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Humboldt Penguins—Susceptibility Patterns and Molecular Epidemiology of Clinical and Environmental Aspergillus fumigatus Isolates from a Belgian Zoo, 2017–2022. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12030584. [PMID: 36978451 PMCID: PMC10044460 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12030584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is the main causative agent of avian aspergillosis and results in significant health problems in birds, especially those living in captivity. The fungal contamination by A. fumigatus in the environment of Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti), located in a Belgian zoo, was assessed through the analysis of air, water, sand and nest samples during four non-consecutive days in 2021–2022. From these samples, potential azole-resistant A. fumigatus (ARAF) isolates were detected using a selective culture medium. A total of 28 veterinary isolates obtained after necropsy of Humboldt penguins and other avian species from the zoo were also included. All veterinary and suspected ARAF isolates from the environment were characterized for their azole-resistance profile by broth microdilution. Isolates displaying phenotypic resistance against at least one medical azole were systematically screened for mutations in the cyp51A gene. A total of 14 (13.6%) ARAF isolates were identified from the environment (n = 8) and from Humboldt penguins (n = 6). The TR34/L98H mutation was observed in all resistant environmental strains, and in two resistant veterinary strains. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of this mutation in A. fumigatus isolates from Humboldt penguins. During the period 2017–2022, pulmonary aspergillosis was confirmed in 51 necropsied penguins, which reflects a death rate due to aspergillosis of 68.0%, mostly affecting adults. Microsatellite polymorphism analysis revealed a high level of diversity among environmental and veterinary A. fumigatus isolates. However, a cluster was observed between one veterinary isolate and six environmental strains, all resistant to medical azoles. In conclusion, the environment of the Humboldt penguins is a potential contamination source of ARAF, making their management even more complex.
Collapse
|
7
|
Rogers TR, Verweij PE, Castanheira M, Dannaoui E, White PL, Arendrup MC. OUP accepted manuscript. J Antimicrob Chemother 2022; 77:2053-2073. [PMID: 35703391 PMCID: PMC9333407 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkac161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing incidence and changing epidemiology of invasive fungal infections continue to present many challenges to their effective management. The repertoire of antifungal drugs available for treatment is still limited although there are new antifungals on the horizon. Successful treatment of invasive mycoses is dependent on a mix of pathogen-, host- and antifungal drug-related factors. Laboratories need to be adept at detection of fungal pathogens in clinical samples in order to effectively guide treatment by identifying isolates with acquired drug resistance. While there are international guidelines on how to conduct in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing, these are not performed as widely as for bacterial pathogens. Furthermore, fungi generally are recovered in cultures more slowly than bacteria, and often cannot be cultured in the laboratory. Therefore, non-culture-based methods, including molecular tests, to detect fungi in clinical specimens are increasingly important in patient management and are becoming more reliable as technology improves. Molecular methods can also be used for detection of target gene mutations or other mechanisms that predict antifungal drug resistance. This review addresses acquired antifungal drug resistance in the principal human fungal pathogens and describes known resistance mechanisms and what in-house and commercial tools are available for their detection. It is emphasized that this approach should be complementary to culture-based susceptibility testing, given the range of mutations, resistance mechanisms and target genes that may be present in clinical isolates, but may not be included in current molecular assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Maiken Cavling Arendrup
- Unit of Mycology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gonzalez-Jimenez I, Lucio J, Roldan A, Alcazar-Fuoli L, Mellado E. Are Point Mutations in HMG-CoA Reductases (Hmg1 and Hmg2) a Step towards Azole Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus? Molecules 2021; 26:5975. [PMID: 34641518 PMCID: PMC8512156 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26195975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis, mainly caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, can lead to severe clinical outcomes in immunocompromised individuals. Antifungal treatment, based on the use of azoles, is crucial to increase survival rates. However, the recent emergence of azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates is affecting the efficacy of the clinical therapy and lowering the success rate of azole strategies against aspergillosis. Azole resistance mechanisms described to date are mainly associated with mutations in the azole target gene cyp51A that entail structural changes in Cyp51A or overexpression of the gene. However, strains lacking cyp51A modifications but resistant to clinical azoles have recently been detected. Some genes have been proposed as new players in azole resistance. In this study, the gene hmg1, recently related to azole resistance, and its paralogue hmg2 were studied in a collection of fifteen azole-resistant strains without cyp51A modifications. Both genes encode HMG-CoA reductases and are involved in the ergosterol biosynthesis. Several mutations located in the sterol sensing domain (SSD) of Hmg1 (D242Y, G307D/S, P309L, K319Q, Y368H, F390L and I412T) and Hmg2 (I235S, V303A, I312S, I360F and V397C) were detected. The role of these mutations in conferring azole resistance is discussed in this work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Gonzalez-Jimenez
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; (I.G.-J.); (J.L.); (A.R.); (L.A.-F.)
| | - Jose Lucio
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; (I.G.-J.); (J.L.); (A.R.); (L.A.-F.)
| | - Alejandra Roldan
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; (I.G.-J.); (J.L.); (A.R.); (L.A.-F.)
| | - Laura Alcazar-Fuoli
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; (I.G.-J.); (J.L.); (A.R.); (L.A.-F.)
- Spanish Network for Research in Infectious Diseases (REIPI RD16/CIII/0004/0003), ISCIII, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Emilia Mellado
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; (I.G.-J.); (J.L.); (A.R.); (L.A.-F.)
- Spanish Network for Research in Infectious Diseases (REIPI RD16/CIII/0004/0003), ISCIII, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Triazole resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in an Israeli patient with Chronic Cavitary Pulmonary Aspergillosis due to a novel E306K Substitution in Hmg1. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:e0108921. [PMID: 34280014 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01089-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Triazole resistance in the pathogenic mold Aspergillus fumigatus has increased worldwide, posing a growing therapeutic challenge. Recently, mutations in the 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase gene (hmg1) have been associated with triazole resistance. Here, we describe a novel E306K triazole resistance-conferring mutation in the HMG-CoA reductase gene from an Israeli patient with chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis (CCPA).
Collapse
|
10
|
Emergence of W272C Substitution in Hmg1 in a Triazole-Resistant Isolate of Aspergillus fumigatus from a Chinese Patient with Chronic Cavitary Pulmonary Aspergillosis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:e0026321. [PMID: 33941517 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00263-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, mutations in the 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase gene (hmg1) have been identified to be associated with triazole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus. Here, we describe the first case of the G929C mutation in the hmg1 gene, leading to the W272C amino acid substitution, in a triazole-resistant isolate of A. fumigatus recovered from a chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis patient who failed voriconazole therapy in China.
Collapse
|
11
|
Arai T, Umeyama T, Majima H, Inukai T, Watanabe A, Miyazaki Y, Kamei K. Hmg1 mutations in Aspergillus fumigatus and their contribution to triazole susceptibility. Med Mycol 2021; 59:980-984. [PMID: 34019670 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myab026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Triazole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus is a global health concern. In general, each triazole resistance pattern caused by the specified amino acid substitution of Cyp51A has a typical pattern depending on the mutation site. We evaluated the contribution of both Cyp51A and Hmg1 mutations to atypical triazole resistance in A. fumigatus. We used clinical triazole-resistant A. fumigatus strains collected in Japan and investigated the sequences of cyp51A and hmg1 genes. To delineate the association between the hmg1 mutation and atypical triazole resistance, the mutant hmg1 alleles in clinical multi-azole resistant strains were replaced with the wild-type hmg1 allele by CRISPR/Cas9 system. In our study, the combination of Cyp51A mutation and Hmg1 mutation was shown to additively contribute to triazole resistance. We also demonstrated that the triazole resistance conferred by the Hmg1 mutation showed a different pattern depending on the mutation site, similar to the Cyp51A mutation. Our results indicate that focusing on the phenotypes of multiple genes is essential to clarify the overall picture of the triazole resistance mechanism of A. fumigatus. LAY SUMMARY The number of triazole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus is increasing. We confirmed thatmutation in a hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase (Hmg1) in the fungus contributesto the resistance separately from Cyp51A mutation, and that susceptibility patterns aredifferent based on mutation site.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teppei Arai
- Division of Clinical Research, Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, 260-8673, Chiba City, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takashi Umeyama
- Department of Chemotherapy and Mycoses, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 162-8640, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Majima
- Division of Clinical Research, Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, 260-8673, Chiba City, Chiba, Japan.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 113-8510, Bunkyoku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Inukai
- Department of Chemotherapy and Mycoses, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 162-8640, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Microbiology, Tokyo Medical University, 160-8402, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Watanabe
- Division of Clinical Research, Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, 260-8673, Chiba City, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshitsugu Miyazaki
- Department of Chemotherapy and Mycoses, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 162-8640, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Kamei
- Division of Clinical Research, Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, 260-8673, Chiba City, Chiba, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Resendiz-Sharpe A, Dewaele K, Merckx R, Bustamante B, Vega-Gomez MC, Rolon M, Jacobs J, Verweij PE, Maertens J, Lagrou K. Triazole-Resistance in Environmental Aspergillus fumigatus in Latin American and African Countries. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7040292. [PMID: 33921497 PMCID: PMC8070258 DOI: 10.3390/jof7040292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Triazole-resistance has been reported increasingly in Aspergillus fumigatus. An international expert team proposed to avoid triazole monotherapy for the initial treatment of invasive aspergillosis in regions with >10% environmental-resistance, but this prevalence is largely unknown for most American and African countries. Here, we screened 584 environmental samples (soil) from urban and rural locations in Mexico, Paraguay, and Peru in Latin America and Benin and Nigeria in Africa for triazole-resistant A. fumigatus. Samples were screened using triazole-containing agars and confirmed as triazole-resistant by the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) broth dilution reference method. Isolates were further characterized by cyp51A sequencing and short-tandem repeat typing. Fungicide presence in samples was likewise determined. Among A. fumigatus positive samples, triazole-resistance was detected in 6.9% (7/102) of samples in Mexico, 8.3% (3/36) in Paraguay, 9.8% (6/61) in Peru, 2.2% (1/46) in Nigeria, and none in Benin. Cyp51A gene mutations were present in most of the triazole-resistant isolates (88%; 15/17). The environmentally-associated mutations TR34/L98H and TR46/Y121F/T289A were prevalent in Mexico and Peru, and isolates harboring these mutations were closely related. For the first time, triazole-resistant A. fumigatus was found in environmental samples in Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Nigeria with a prevalence of 7-10% in the Latin American countries. Our findings emphasize the need to establish triazole-resistance surveillance programs in these countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agustin Resendiz-Sharpe
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (A.R.-S.); (R.M.); (J.J.); (J.M.)
| | - Klaas Dewaele
- Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Department of Laboratory Medicine and National Reference Center for Mycosis, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Rita Merckx
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (A.R.-S.); (R.M.); (J.J.); (J.M.)
| | - Beatriz Bustamante
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima 15102, Peru;
| | - Maria Celeste Vega-Gomez
- Centro para el Desarrollo de la Investigación Científica, CEDIC, Asunción 1255, Paraguay; (M.C.V.-G.); (M.R.)
| | - Miriam Rolon
- Centro para el Desarrollo de la Investigación Científica, CEDIC, Asunción 1255, Paraguay; (M.C.V.-G.); (M.R.)
| | - Jan Jacobs
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (A.R.-S.); (R.M.); (J.J.); (J.M.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Paul E. Verweij
- Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Medical Microbiology, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
- Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Johan Maertens
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (A.R.-S.); (R.M.); (J.J.); (J.M.)
- Department of Hematology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien Lagrou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (A.R.-S.); (R.M.); (J.J.); (J.M.)
- Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Department of Laboratory Medicine and National Reference Center for Mycosis, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-016-34-70-98
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gonzalez-Jimenez I, Lucio J, Amich J, Cuesta I, Sanchez Arroyo R, Alcazar-Fuoli L, Mellado E. A Cyp51B Mutation Contributes to Azole Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6040315. [PMID: 33255951 PMCID: PMC7712412 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence and spread of Aspergillus fumigatus azole resistance has been acknowledged worldwide. The main problem of azole resistance is the limited therapeutic options for patients suffering aspergillosis. Azole resistance mechanisms have been mostly linked to the enzyme Cyp51A, a target of azole drugs, with a wide variety of modifications responsible for the different resistance mechanisms described to date. However, there are increasing reports of A. fumigatus strains showing azole resistance without Cyp51A modifications, and thus, novel resistance mechanisms are being explored. Here, we characterized two isogenic A. fumigatus clinical strains isolated two years apart from the same patient. Both strains were resistant to clinical azoles but showed different azole resistance mechanisms. One strain (CM8940) harbored a previously described G54A mutation in Cyp51A while the other strain (CM9640) had a novel G457S mutation in Cyp51B, the other target of azoles. In addition, this second strain had a F390L mutation in Hmg1. CM9640 showed higher levels of gene expression of cyp51A, cyp51B and hmg1 than the CM8940 strain. The role of the novel mutation found in Cyp51B together with the contribution of a mutation in Hmg1 in azole resistance is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Gonzalez-Jimenez
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, 28222 Madrid, Spain; (I.G.-J.); (J.L.); (L.A.-F.)
| | - Jose Lucio
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, 28222 Madrid, Spain; (I.G.-J.); (J.L.); (L.A.-F.)
| | - Jorge Amich
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group (MFIG), Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
| | - Isabel Cuesta
- Bioinformatics Unit, Common Scientific Technical Units, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, 28222 Madrid, Spain;
| | | | - Laura Alcazar-Fuoli
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, 28222 Madrid, Spain; (I.G.-J.); (J.L.); (L.A.-F.)
- Spanish Network for Research in Infectious Diseases (REIPI RD16/CIII/0004/0003), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, 28222 Madrid, Spain
| | - Emilia Mellado
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, 28222 Madrid, Spain; (I.G.-J.); (J.L.); (L.A.-F.)
- Spanish Network for Research in Infectious Diseases (REIPI RD16/CIII/0004/0003), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, 28222 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|