In Vitro Antifungal Drug Resistance Profiles of Clinically Relevant Members of the Mucorales (Mucoromycota) Especially with the Newer Triazoles

Abstract

Mucoromycoses (infections caused by members of the order Mucorales, phylum Mucoromycota [ex-Zygomycota]) are highly destructive, rapidly progressive infections, with dire prognoses especially when they occur in immunocompromised hosts. Current treatment guidelines recommend liposomal formulations of amphotericin B with adjunctive surgery as first line therapy, with the newer triazoles posaconazole or isavuconazole as alternative treatments, or as salvage therapy. Among the many organisms belonging to this order, a limited number of species in the genera Rhizopus, Mucor, Lichtheimia and Rhizomucor are responsible for most cases of human infection. Here, we present the minimum inhibitory concentration data (MICs) for amphotericin B, posaconazole, isavuconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole with a panel of over 300 isolates of the five most common agents of human infection (Lichtheimia corymbifera, Rhizopus arrhizus, R. microsporus, Rhizomucor pusillus and Mucor spp.) determined using the CLSI broth microdilution method. In agreement with previous studies, the most active antifungal drug for all Mucorales was amphotericin B, with MICs within the range that would predict susceptibility with Aspergillus fumigatus. Conversely, MICs for voriconazole against all species tested were high, and above the range associated with clinical efficacy with A. fumigatus. Interestingly, whilst isavuconazole and posaconazole MIC distributions indicated in vitro activity against some members of the Mucorales, activity was species-dependent for both agents. These data underscore the importance of accurate identification of the causative agents of mucoromycosis, coupled with antifungal susceptibility testing of individual isolates, in determining the optimal treatment of infections caused by these aggressive opportunistic human fungal pathogens.

Definition, diagnosis, and management of COVID-19-associated pulmonary mucormycosis: Delphi consensus statement from the Fungal Infection Study Forum and Academy of Pulmonary Sciences, India

“…Once a complete or partial response is achieved, maintenance treatment with isavuconazole or posaconazole should be initiated (except when the organism isolated is resistant to azoles, eg, M circinelloides ). 107 A clear consensus was not achieved even after three rounds of Delphi regarding the duration of treatment after attaining a complete or partial response. Although most (two-thirds) participants in the expert group suggested at least 4–6 weeks of maintenance therapy after complete response, a few experts felt the need for a longer duration (up to 3 months).…”

Evaluation of Serum Mucorales Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for the Diagnosis of Mucormycoses: The MODIMUCOR Prospective Trial

“…L-AmB is recommended as first-line treatment of mucormycosis. However, accurate identification of the causative agents might be of interest when switching to oral treatment, since compared with posaconazole, isavuconazole exhibited a lower in vitro inhibitory activity against Rhizomucor species (30,31).…”

Anu taila, an herbal nasal drop, suppresses mucormycosis by regulating host TNF-α response and fungal ergosterol biosynthesis

“…Although such recalcitrance among Mucor spp. against AMB is at a low level of around 1% (Borman et al, 2021), the very existence of resistance has stretched its ECV to 2 μg/ml (Espinel-Ingroff et al, 2015). Mucor spp.…”