Genetic hitchhikers complicate Aspergillus fumigatus antifungal resistance treatment
Researchers at Wageningen University & Research report that agricultural fungicides help maintain genetic resistance in the pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus.
Medical treatments face new fungal threats
Resistance to antifungal medicines in Aspergillus fumigatus is proving more persistent than previously thought. A study appearing in Current Biology indicates that agricultural fungicides preserve this resistance despite varying modes of action. Different resistance genes hitchhike together under the microscope, creating a complex problem for patients. The study indicates that approximately 10 percent of Aspergillus infections result from a resistant strain now.
Agricultural chemicals drive genetic selection
Medical azoles used to treat infections are similar to agricultural azoles controlling fungal species threatening crops. Hylke Kortenbosch discovered that two resistant variants, TR34 and TR46, differ in their distribution across the Netherlands. TR34 is found throughout the country while TR46 appears more common in areas with flower bulb fields. Agricultural fungicides from two additional chemical classes are frequently ineffective against these variants.
Environment favors multiple resistance genes
Kortenbosch investigated whether different fungicides could maintain resistance using mown unsprayed grass from his own backyard. He grew resistant and nonresistant Aspergillus in glass bottles to test the hypothesis. In agriculture, natural selection favors the fittest fungi carrying multiple forms of resistance. The genes hitchhike together because agricultural products target the same enzyme found in the fungus.
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