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Brown locusts, Locustana pardalina, host fluconazole-resistant Candidozyma (Candida) auris, closely related to Clade III clinical strains

Summary

Researchers discovered that brown locusts in South Africa can carry a dangerous drug-resistant fungus called Candida auris in their digestive systems. This fungus, which causes serious infections in hospitals and is resistant to the antifungal drug fluconazole, may use locusts as a way to spread to humans or other environments. The study suggests that insects could play an important role in how dangerous fungi emerge and spread globally, particularly in warm climates where locusts thrive.

Background

Candidozyma auris is an emerging pathogenic yeast causing nosocomial outbreaks with unclear environmental transmission routes. Members of Candidozyma have been repeatedly associated with various insects, suggesting insects may act as vectors for these yeasts. Brown locusts are thermophilic insects that could potentially host C. auris.

Objective

To investigate whether brown locusts (Locustana pardalina) serve as hosts for C. auris and characterize any isolated strains. The study aimed to explore the potential role of thermotolerant insects in the evolution and dissemination of this emerging pathogen.

Results

Three C. auris strains were isolated from three locusts (15% infection rate), with two locusts also harboring Candida orthopsilosis. The characterized strain UOFS Y-4024 belonged to Clade III and was closely related to clinical isolates from South African hospitals. The isolate showed fluconazole resistance (MIC ≥32 µg/ml) with V125A/F126L ERG11 substitution, survived at 50°C, grew at 15% NaCl, and was susceptible to most disinfectants.

Conclusion

C. auris can colonize the digestive system of brown locusts and survive digestive processes, suggesting locusts may serve as vectors for this emerging pathogen. The ability to survive extreme temperatures and salt concentrations correlates with locust physiology. This highlights the importance of understanding insect-pathogenic yeast interactions and the potential role of insects in emerging pathogenic yeast evolution.
  • Published in:Medical Mycology,
  • Study Type:Original Research,
  • Source: PMID: 40705343, DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myaf069
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