Paradoxal Trends in Azole-Resistant <i>Aspergillus fumigatus</i> in a National Multicenter Surveillance Program, the Netherlands, 2013–2018
Pieter P. A. Lestrade, Jochem B. Buil, Martha T. van der Beek, Ed J. Kuijper, Karin van Dijk, Greetje A. Kampinga, Bart Rijnders, Alieke G. Vonk, Sabine C. de Greeff, Annelot F. Schoffelen, Jaap van Dissel, Jacques F. Meis, Willem J. G. Melchers, Paul E. Verweij
Abstract
A spergillus fumigatus is a saprobic mold that thrives on decaying plant material. The fungus is thermotolerant and exhibits optimum growth at 37C. A. fumigatus has evolved into an major cause of pulmonary infections, especially in immunocompromised persons. Patients at risk for invasive aspergillosis include patients with hematologic malignancy, solid organ transplant recipients, and patients receiving corticosteroids. In addition, new risk groups are being recognized, including patients treated with ibrutinib (1) and patients with severe influenza (2,3). The fungus might also cause chronic pulmonary infections, chronic lung colonization, and allergic syndromes (4).