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Distribution of fungal agents in the respiratory system of patients with underlying lung diseases; molecular identification and antifungal susceptibility profiles

Summary

This research examined fungal infections in hospitalized patients with lung diseases in Iran, identifying which fungi were most common and which antifungal medications worked best against them. Researchers found that Candida albicans and Aspergillus flavus were the most prevalent fungi, particularly in COPD patients. Notably, some Candida isolates showed resistance to certain antifungal drugs, particularly voriconazole. The study emphasizes the importance of proper fungal identification and susceptibility testing for effective treatment.

Background

Airway fungal infections are a severe clinical problem, especially in immunocompromised patients. This study examined the distribution and antifungal susceptibility profiles of fungal agents isolated from respiratory tracts of symptomatic patients hospitalized in pulmonary units in Iran.

Objective

To investigate the distribution of fungal agents in the respiratory system of patients with underlying lung diseases using molecular analysis and to examine the antifungal susceptibility profiles of isolated fungal strains using broth microdilution methods.

Results

Of 360 respiratory specimens, 114 (31.6%) were positive for fungal agents. Candida albicans and Aspergillus flavus were the most common yeast and mold species respectively. COPD had the highest fungal colonization rate (47/114, 41%), with Candida species representing 41 cases. Antifungal susceptibility testing showed 9 (22.5%) Candida isolates were resistant, with highest resistance to voriconazole (55.5%), while no resistance was observed in Aspergillus isolates.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated a significant relationship between Aspergillus and Candida species frequency in patients with underlying lung diseases. Voriconazole was more effective than itraconazole, particularly against Aspergillus flavus. COPD patients showed the highest rates of fungal colonization.
  • Published in:Iran Journal of Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Descriptive Cross-sectional Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39737358, DOI: 10.18502/ijm.v16i6.17258
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