Surveillance of Azole Resistance in Aspergillus Isolates in Taiwan

Overview

Primary objectives: 1. To investigate the prevalence of azole resistance in Aspergillus clinical isolates collected in participating hospitals in Taiwan 2. To investigate the prevalence of azole resistance in Aspergillus environmental isolates in Taiwan 3. To characterize the molecular mechanisms of azole resistance in Aspergillus isolates in Taiwan 4. To investigate the clonality of Aspergillus clinical and environmental isolates in Taiwan 5. To describe the genetic relationships between local resistant strains with global strains Secondary objective: 1. To describe the clinical characteristics and treatment outcome of patients with proven or probable invasive aspergillosis 2. To evaluate the clinical impact of azole resistance in patients with proven or probable invasive aspergillosis in a case-control study

Cumulative evidence described the emergence and geographical expansion of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus associated with azole treatment failure. Multiple amino acid substitutions in the cyp51A gene have been described to be associated with azole resistance that emerges during azole treatment, while a resistance mechanism, TR34/L98H mutation in cyp51A, has been linked to the agricultural use of azole fungicides in Europe, which have also been widely used in Taiwan for years. The current prevalence of azole-resistant Aspergillus isolates and mechanisms of azole resistance in Taiwan is not clear. Considering the potential of geographic migration of resistant isolates from neighboring countries and the possibility of emergence of locally revolved resistant strains, this 2-year multi-center project aims to investigate the prevalence rate of azole resistance in Aspergillus clinical and environmental isolates, to determine the molecular mechanisms of azole resistance, and to describe the clinical characteristics and treatment outcome of Aspergillus diseases in Taiwan. Clinical and environmental Aspergillus isolates will be collected and examined, and clinical data from patients with Aspergillus diseases or colonization will be retrieved and analyzed. Through this study the investigators anticipate increase in awareness of prevalence and impact of azole resistance in patient safety in participating hospitals. In addition, the investigators may update Taiwan treatment guideline for aspergillosis on the basis of these evidence and knowledge.