Work

Exposure to Tebuconazole Drives Cross-Resistance to Clinical Triazoles in Aspergillus fumigatus

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Multiazole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus threatens antifungal therapy. This study investigated the impact of prolonged exposure to the agricultural triazole tebuconazole (TEB) on the susceptibility of A. fumigatus to clinical triazoles and its resistance mechanisms. After 28 days, resistant strains emerged with substantial increases in minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs): up to 128× for itraconazole, 64× for posaconazole, and 16× for voriconazole. In the absence of TEB, resistance was maintained and associated with maintenance of CYP51A activity, with stable ergosterol levels and efflux pump activity. Among the 193 upregulated proteins identified in proteomics, 14 were related to resistance, 5 to the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway, 7 to the efflux pump activity, and 2 to the heat shock response pathway. These results demonstrate that agricultural triazoles can induce stable and multidrug-resistant phenotypes, emphasizing the need for surveillance of antifungal resistance in environmental and clinical settings.

Source: ACS Omega

DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.5c07812

Authors: Leandra Martins Meireles, Fabiano Silva Soares, Gonçalo Apolinário de Souza Filho, Rodrigo Scherer

Institutions: Universidade Vila Velha, State University of Norte Fluminense

Language: English

Topic: Antifungal resistance and susceptibility

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,935