Distribution and Triazole Susceptibility of Aspergilli from Clinical, Soils and Veterinary Samples in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACT Resistance of Aspergilli to azole compounds have been on the rise globally with the majority of data coming from Europe and the Americas. However, little data from Africa is available comparing antifungal susceptibility of isolates from the environment and the clinic directly. Differences between fungal species present in the environment and their susceptibility will have a direct impact on human health and policies regarding fungal infections. Hence a One Health approach of the susceptibility of Aspergilli isolated from human, environment and veterinary samples from South western of Nigeria was carried out. Sputum, soil and animal litters/feeds samples were collected and processed using Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and Malt Extract Agar (MEA) supplemented with chloramphenicol to isolate Aspergillus species. The majority of isolates recovered were A. niger and A. flavus , with little A. fumigatus recovered. Susceptibility testing to voriconazole was carried out using the microdilution method results interpreted according to European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) breakpoints. All isolates were found to be susceptible to itraconazole and voriconazole. These results show differences between species present in the environment and from patient samples compared to Europe and the Americas, highlighting a need for more fungal research focused on Africa.