Aspergillus fumigatus Resistance to Voriconazole: An Emerging Environmental Problem

A retrospective study shows an absolute increased mortality rate of over 20% in voriconazole-resistant versus voriconazole-susceptible infections.

Triazole antifungal resistance is an increasing problem. For Aspergillus species, there is evidence that this may be occurring through the use of agricultural azole fungicides.

Dutch researchers performed a retrospective study at three medical centers among patients from whom Aspergillus fumigatus had been isolated. Strains were screened for triazole resistance and, in those where it was found, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined.

Between January 2011 and December 2015, over 2,200 patients had a positive culture for A. fumigatus. Among these, 196 were judged to have probable or proven invasive aspergillosis and had antifungal therapy started. Voriconazole resistance, defined as an MIC >2µg/mL, was found in 37 (19%) of the…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Aspergillus fumigatus Resistance to Voriconazole: An Emerging Environmental Problem

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Reviewing Author