Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Ascomycetous Yeasts Isolated from Animals

Abstract

dRecent studies suggest that antifungal resistance in yeast isolates of veterinary origin may be an underdiagnosed threat. We tested a collection of 92 ascomycetous yeast isolates that were obtained in Spain from birds, mammals and insects for antifungal susceptibility. MICs to amphotericin B and azoles were low, and no resistant isolates were detected. Despite these results, and given the potential role of animals as reservoirs of resistant strains, continuous monitoring of antifungal susceptibility in the veterinary setting is recommended.

Collateral consequences of agricultural fungicides on pathogenic yeasts: A One Health perspective to tackle azole resistance

“…The most frequently colonised anatomical sites include the gastrointestinal, urogenital and respiratory tracts, eye conjunctiva, ear canal and skin 59 . Candida albicans , C tropicalis , C parapsilosis , C famata , C krusei , C guilliermondii and C glabrata are the most commonly described commensal species 60‐69 . Candida may act as primary pathogens, causing oral, esophageal or crop candidiasis in birds and mastitis in cows.…”

“…As opposed to human clinical isolates, antifungal susceptibility testing of Candida from veterinary sources is seldom performed. Nevertheless, there is an increasing number of reports of azole‐resistant Candida from various animal species, including wild and domestic mammals, birds, reptiles and crustaceans 60‐69 . These findings suggest the presence of an intense selective pressure in animal‐associated microbial niches, which is particularly intriguing because systemic antifungal drugs are not commonly used in veterinary practices, and resistant isolates have been recovered from wild animals 62 …”