About This Project

Essential antifungal drugs are rare and expensive in Cameroon. However, there is an increasing resistance shown by Aspergillus spp to azoles in Cameroon. We aim for this project to determine antifungal susceptibility profiles (ASP) of Aspergillus spp isolated from symptomatic lung patients and from environmental samples, and to compare both profiles to determine any causal relationship.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Aspergillosis is a fungal infection caused by Aspergillus affecting both humans and animals. Infection is commonly due to inhalation of conidia present in the environment. The recommended regimen for the treatment of aspergillosis is made of azoles (itraconazole principally). Variability in susceptibility profiles and the emergence of Aspergillus resistance to recommended antifungals are reported worldwide with a possible link to the intensive use of these antifungals in the environment. However, no data is available on this in Cameroon.

We aim to determine if there is any link between the use of antifungals as pesticides and the emergence of Aspergillus resistance to medical azoles.

What is the significance of this project?

Triazoles are widely used in the fields of agriculture to treat crops and for pre- and post-harvest periods, posing a possible threat to Humans health. The intensive use of these antifungals may have led to the emergence of azoles resistant Aspergillus strains. These resistant strains may infect and multiple within human body through inhalation of spores in the air, and consumption in food.

It is therefore important to assess if they are azoles resistant strains of Aspergillus in the environment and if this same resistance is found within Humans isolated Aspergillus spp. If this is the case, reglementation should be put in place to control, reduce and monitor the use of the antifungals involved.

What are the goals of the project?

To investigate the prevalence of Aspergillus in Human and environmental samples and their antifungal susceptibility profiles (resistance).

Broncho alveolar lavage from patients with lung diseases, dust from farms, common fruits and air will be sampled and cultured on the Sabouraud dextrose agar plus chloramphenicol (SDAC) and species identified microscopically using lactophenol cotton blue.

The susceptibility to two classes of azoles (itraconazole, and voriconazole) and amphoterin B of every growth will be performed based on the antifungal diffusion strips.

We will use the expected results to sensibilize and advocate for the proper use of antifungals in agriculture.