Airborne Fungal Diversity and Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in a Care Home Environment

Danyi Cheng (Queen's University Belfast, UK)

15:20 - 15:25 Tuesday 14 April Afternoon

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Abstract

Airborne eukaryotic microbes form an important yet understudied component of indoor microbiomes, particularly in healthcare and long-term care environments. This study explored the diversity and seasonal dynamics of airborne fungi within a care home setting, with a focus on the opportunistic pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Air samples collected across four seasons were analysed using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) amplicon sequencing, revealing diverse and dynamic fungal communities. Distinct temporal and spatial variations were observed, with recurrent detection of genera such as Aspergillus, Alternaria, and Cladosporium. Diversity metrics, including Shannon and Chao1 indices, highlighted significant shifts in community composition between locations and seasons. Complementary culture-based analyses combined with MALDI-ToF identification and azole susceptibility testing confirmed the presence of A. fumigatus isolates exhibiting triazole resistance. Whole-genome sequencing of resistant isolates identified mutations in genes associated with azole resistance, providing insight into local environmental reservoirs of clinically relevant strains. Ongoing metagenomic analyses further extend this work by linking fungal diversity with antimicrobial resistance determinants. Collectively, these findings underscore the importance of integrated molecular and culture-based surveillance to monitor airborne fungal pathogens and resistance emergence in healthcare environments.

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