Species distribution and antifungal susceptibility of Aspergillusclinical isolates in Lebanon

Aim:We sought to provide first insights into the epidemiology and antifungal susceptibility patterns of the aspergilli in Lebanon. Materials & methods:After species identification, antifungal susceptibility was investigated according to EUCAST recommendations. CYP51Agene was sequenced in resistant isolates and its expression level was evaluated by Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Results:Among the 73 Aspergillusisolates studied (mostly from ears), the predominant species was Aspergillus niger(54.8%). The overall drug resistance was highest for amphotericin B (38.4%), followed by itraconazole (31.5%), posaconazole (30.1%) and voriconazole (23.3%). In addition, CYP51Agene mutations were not the major cause of azole resistance among these isolates. Conclusion:Our findings indicate the paramount need for an integral One Health strategy and a national reference center for invasive mycoses and antifungals.