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Multi-Resistant Aspergillosis due to Cryptic Species

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Abstract

Reports of cryptic species causing aspergillosis in humans are increasing in the literature. Cryptic species are defined as those which are morphologically indistinguishable, although their identifications can be confirmed using molecular or other techniques which continue to become more widely available in the clinical setting. Antifungal resistance has often been noted in these cases, and indeed there does appear to be a higher prevalence of reduced susceptibility in cryptic species. Many of these observations are published as individual case reports or as a small component of larger data sets, making it challenging to review and compare the data fully. This review article seeks to describe the susceptibility trends and key learning outcomes of specific cases of infections caused by cryptic species, including Aspergillus alliaceus, Aspergillus calidoustus, Aspergillus felis, Aspergillus lentulus, Aspergillus tubingensis, Aspergillus viridinutans and Neosartorya pseudofischeri. These reports highlight the clinical need for full accurate identification and susceptibility testing to guide patient care.

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Conflict of interest

Susan Howard has received research grants from Astellas, support grants from Gilead, Pfizer and the Fungal Research Trust, travel grants from Astellas and Schering-Plough, equipment grants from the Fungal Research Trust, and has been paid for talks on behalf of Pfizer and Astellas.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK

    Susan Julie Howard

  2. CLAHRC Greater Manchester, 3rd Floor Mayo Building, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Stott Lane, Salford, M6 8HD, UK

    Susan Julie Howard

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  1. Susan Julie Howard
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Correspondence to Susan Julie Howard.

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Howard, S.J. Multi-Resistant Aspergillosis due to Cryptic Species. Mycopathologia 178, 435–439 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11046-014-9774-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11046-014-9774-0

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