Species Aspergillus Flavus Research Articles

Accessing indoor fungal contamination using conventional and molecular methods in Portuguese poultries

Epidemiological studies showed increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms and adverse changes in pulmonary function parameters in poultry workers, corroborating the increased exposure to risk factors, such as fungal load and their metabolites. This study aimed to determine the occupational exposure threat due to fungal contamination caused by the toxigenic isolates belonging to the complex of the species of Aspergillus flavus and also isolates from Aspergillus fumigatus species complex. The study was carried out in seven Portuguese poultries, using cultural and molecular methodologies. For conventional/cultural methods, air, surfaces, and litter samples were collected by impaction method using the Millipore Air Sampler. For the molecular analysis, air samples were collected by impinger method using the Coriolis μ air sampler. After DNA extraction, samples were analyzed by real-time PCR using specific primers and probes for toxigenic strains of the Aspergillus flavus complex and for detection of isolates from Aspergillus fumigatus complex. Through conventional methods, and among the Aspergillus genus, different prevalences were detected regarding the presence of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus species complexes, namely: 74.5 versus 1.0% in the air samples, 24.0 versus 16.0% in the surfaces, 0 versus 32.6% in new litter, and 9.9 versus 15.9% in used litter. Through molecular biology, we were able to detect the presence of aflatoxigenic strains in pavilions in which Aspergillus flavus did not grow in culture. Aspergillus fumigatus was only found in one indoor air sample by conventional methods. Using molecular methodologies, however, Aspergillus fumigatus complex was detected in seven indoor samples from three different poultry units. The characterization of fungal contamination caused by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus raises the concern of occupational threat not only due to the detected fungal load but also because of the toxigenic potential of these species.

Effects of sugar and amino acid supplementation on Aureobasidium pullulans NRRL 58536 antifungal activity against four Aspergillus species

Cultured cell extracts from ten tropical strains of Aureobasidium pullulans were screened for antifungal activity against four pathogenic Aspergillus species (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Aspergillus terreus) using the well diffusion and conidial germination inhibition assays. The crude cell extract from A. pullulans NRRL 58536 resulted in the greatest fungicidal activity against all four Aspergillus species and so was selected for further investigation into enhancing the production of antifungal activity through optimization of the culture medium, carbon source (sucrose and glucose) and amino acid (phenylalanine, proline, and leucine) supplementation. Sucrose did not support the production of any detectable antifungal activity, while glucose did with the greatest antifungal activity against all four Aspergillus species being produced in cells grown in medium containing 2.5% (w/v) glucose. With respect to the amino acid supplements, variable trends between the different Aspergillus species and amino acid combinations were observed, with the greatest antifungal activities being obtained when grown with phenylalanine plus leucine supplementation for activity against A. flavus, proline plus leucine for A. terreus, and phenylalanine plus proline and leucine for A. niger and A. fumigatus. Thin layer chromatography, spectrophotometry, high-performance liquid chromatography, (1)H-nuclear magnetic resonance, and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analyses were all consistent with the main component of the A. pullulans NRRL 58536 extracts being aureobasidins.

Influence of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus terreus on the protein contents contaminated with Aflatoxins in Peanut seeds at Al-Bayda Governorate, Libya

Protein contents showed a big difference in peanut grains assessed by Kjeldahl’s and Bailey’s methods, the over all mean of protein content of the two peanut grains varieties are not differ significantly at P < 0.05. The protein content of peanut grains affected significantly (P < 0.01) by the time after contamination with Aspergillus species Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus terreus (A.f Vs A.t), we suggested that it seems that the protein content of peanut increased from o day to 4 days after contamination, then decreased as the time after contamination increase until 20 days, the result from effect of contamination with Aspergillus that produce aflatoxin .The grains had been examined for aflatoxins’s existence inside it shown that English peanut (Arachis hypogea L.), had been produced aflatoxins. The isolated fungi had been investigated for their capabilities to produce aflatoxins shown that only Aspergillus flavus had been produced aflatoxins.

A novel amalgamation of 1,2,3-triazoles, piperidines and thieno pyridine rings and evaluation of their antifungal activity

It is the first report of the novel amalgamation of 1,2,3-triazoles, piperidines, thieno pyridine rings and evaluation of their antifungal activity. The synthesized compounds showed interesting moderate to good antifungal activity, wherein they were able to discriminate between the two species Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger of the same genus. In addition, the main highlight of this series is the sensitivity of the fungal strain Cryptococcus neoformans to the compounds having p-chlorobenzoyl (9h), methane sulfonyl (9i) and p-methylbenzene sulfonyl (9j) attached to the piperazine nitrogen.

Metal complexes of moxifloxacin–imidazole mixed ligands: Characterization and biological studies

Solid complexes [M(MOX)(HIm)Clx]·nH2O, [M=Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cr(III)] and [Ag(MOX)(HIm)·2.5H2O]; MOX=moxifloxacin, HIm=imidazole were prepared and characterized using elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, conductance measurements, UV–Vis spectra, ESR of the copper complex, magnetic moments measurements, 1H and 13C NMR for the nickel (II) complex and thermal analyses. The results indicate that moxifloxacin reacts as a bidentate ligand and is bound to the metal ions through the pyridone oxygen and one carboxylic oxygen, except for the silver (I) complex where the metal ion is chelated to the hydro pyridinium nitrogen. The activation energies, ΔE∗; entropies ΔS∗; enthalpies ΔH∗ and order of reactions have been derived from differential thermogravimetric (DTA) curves, using Horowitz–Metzeger method. The mixed ligands complexes were evaluated for their antibacterial activity against two bacterial species, namely Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli). Antifungal screening was studied against two species (Aspergillus flavus and Condida albicans). The complexes under investigation were found to possess better antibacterial agents than uncomplexed Moxifloxacin and have antifungal activity as well.

Isolation of endophytic fungi from Cannabis sativa and study their antifungal potential

A systemic study of fungal endophytes associated with different plant parts of Cannabis sativa and their antifungal activity was investigated in the present study. A total of 281 plant segments, including 91 leaves, 93 stem and 97 petioles samples, were screened for the isolation of endophytic fungi. Totally, 212 (77.65%) segments were found colonised by different fungi. Highest colonisation frequency were observed in stem parts (84.94%), then leaves (82.41%) and lowest 59.79% in petiole. Total eight fungal genera belonging to 12 species were isolated. Aspergillus is recorded as the most frequently occurring genera with three species Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus nidulans followed by Penicillium with two species Penicillium chrysogenum and Penicillium citrinum, while Phoma, Rhizopus, Colletotrichum, Cladosporium and Curvularia with single species. The antifungal potential of A. niger and A. flavus – two most frequently isolated endophytic fungi – was evaluated against two common plant pathogen, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Curvularia lunata. Different plant and fungal extracts individually and in combinations showed variations in antifungal activity against both the pathogens. The primary results obtained on antifungal activity of endophytes show their possible role in plant defence mechanism but it is a preliminary approach and more extensive research is still required.

In Vitro Antifungal Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Against Ocular Pathogenic Filamentous Fungi

Fungal keratitis is emerging as a major cause of vision loss in a developing country such as China because of higher incidence and the unavailability of effective antifungals. It is urgent to explore broad-spectrum antifungals to effectively suppress ocular fungal pathogens, and to develop new antifungal eye drops to combat this vision-threatening infection. The aim of this study is to investigate the antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles (nano-Ag) in comparison with that of natamycin against ocular pathogenic filamentous fungi in vitro. Susceptibility tests were performed against 216 strains of fungi isolated from patients with fungal keratitis from the Henan Eye Institute in China by broth dilution antifungal susceptibility test of filamentous fungi approved by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M38-A document. The isolates included 112 Fusarium isolates (82 Fusarium solani species complex, 20 Fusarium verticillioides species complex, and 10 Fusarium oxysporum species complex), 94 Aspergillus isolates (61 Aspergillus flavus species complex, 11 Aspergillus fumigatus species complex, 12 Aspergillus versicolor species complex, and 10 Aspergillus niger species complex), and 10 Alternaria alternata isolates. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) range and mode, the MIC for 50% of the strains tested (MIC50 value), and the MIC90 value were provided for the isolates with the SPSS statistical package. MIC50 value of nano-Ag were 1, 0.5, and 0.5 μg/mL for Fusarium spp., Aspergillus spp., and Al. alternata, respectively. MIC90 values of nano-Ag were 1, 1, and 1 μg/mL for Fusarium spp., Aspergillus spp., and Al. alternata, respectively. MIC50 values of natamycin were 4, 32, and 4 μg/mL for Fusarium spp., Aspergillus spp., and Al. alternata, respectively. MIC90 values of natamycin were 8, 32, and 4 μg/mL for Fusarium spp., Aspergillus spp., and Al. alternata, respectively. Nano-Ag, relative to natamycin, exhibits potent in vitro activity against ocular pathogenic filamentous fungi.

Synthesis of 3-ferrocenylaniline: DNA interaction, antibacterial, and antifungal activity

Bioactive 3-ferrocenylaniline [(η5-C5H4)2Fe{C6H5NH2}] has been successfully synthesized and characterized by means of various physico-analytical techniques such as FTIR and multinuclear (1H and 13C) NMR spectroscopy along with melting point and elemental analysis. The interaction of the 3-ferrocenylaniline with DNA has been investigated by spectroscopic and viscometric measurements. The interaction of compound with DNA is presumably occurring via hydrogen bonding. Viscosity measurement of the compound has proved to change in length and is regarded as the least ambiguous and the most critical test of binding model in solution. The antibacterial activity was carried out using Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae) and found to be selective and effective against Gram-positive bacteria. In vitro antifungal activity was determined against the fungal species (Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus) and demonstrated significant activity. Compound 1 was synthesized from ferrocene and 3-nitroaniline in the presence of sodium nitrite/hydrochloric acid and the resulting product was reduced to 3-ferrocenyl aniline. The compound was characterized by IR, multinuclear (1H and 13C) NMR, and elemental analysis. DNA interaction studies were examined by spectroscopic and viscosity measurements. Antibacterial and antifungal activities are also tested.

Designing of some novel metallo antibiotics tuning biochemical behaviour towards therapeutics: Synthesis, characterisation and pharmacological studies of metal complexes of cefixime

Cefixime is a broad spectrum semi synthetic cephalosporin antibiotic for oral administration. Metal complexes of cefixime with Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Fe(III) and Ni(II) have been synthesised and characterised by elemental analysis and IR, UV–Vis., NMR and ESR spectra. The electronic spectral behaviour and cyclic voltammetric studies have been carried out on the interaction of metal complexes with calf thymus DNA. The results suggest that the complexes can bind to DNA by intercalation mode. The Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd (II) and Ni(II) complexes exhibit square planar geometry. Fe(III) complex exhibits octahedral geometry. The complexes showed a slightly higher antimicrobial activity than the cefixime drug. Among the metal complexes, Fe(III) was found to be more active than other complexes when tested against bacterial species Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fungal species Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizoctonia bataicola and Candida albicans by the disc diffusion method. SEM analysis provides the morphology of the metal complexes. The DNA binding interaction of metal complexes with CT DNA using the cyclic voltammetry technique and their salient features are discussed.

Screening, Identification of a Marine Fungal Strain Producing Chitosanase

For the production of oligosaccharides from chitosan, chitosanase-producing strains were screened from local marine mud by clear zone formed on the chitosanase-detection agar (CDA) plate. More than 20 kinds of strains with clear zones on the CDA plates were obtained, including bacteria, actinomyces, and fungi. Among them a marine fungal strain N-8 was screened and chosen because of its prominent chitosanase activity. On the basis of the morphological characteristics and sequence analysis of 26S rDNA of strain N-8, the marine fungal strain N-8 was identified as the species Aspergillus flavus strain.

Effect of fungi–termite interaction on the chlorophyll content of three rice varieties grown on ultisol soil of Ikenne, south-west Nigeria

The effect of fungi–termite interaction on three rice varieties was conducted in a screen house at the Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) Ibadan, Nigeria. Of the 10 fungi species (Fusarium verticilloides, Trichoderma sp., Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Macrophoma sp., Neurospora sp., Botryodiplodia theobromae, Penicillum sp., Rhizopus sp. and Sclerotium rolfsii) isolated from termites, soil and rice plants, F. verticilloides, Trichoderma sp. and B. theobromae were used for the interaction study. Each fungus was inoculated singly and in combinations with termite into the root of each rice variety in potted soil. Leaf samples were taken to measure the chlorophyll content which is a major parameter to estimate effect of termite–fungi interaction. The chlorophyll content of the inoculated rice plants was significantly reduced when compared with the control. Fungi interaction with termite had significant reduction on the chlorophyll content. The synergistic relationship between the fungi and the termite was discussed.

Synthesis, characterization, molecular modeling, and thermal analyses of bioactive Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes with diacetylmonoxime and different amines

Condensation of diacetylmonoxime with 2-amino-5-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole, 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole or 3-amino-5-methylisoxazole in the presence of Co(II) and Cu(II) salts with different anions produced nine complexes. The synthesized complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductivities, thermal analyses, magnetic moments, IR, electron spin resonance, and UV-Vis spectral studies. The spectral data show that sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen participate in chelation with the metal ions. The complexes are tetrahedral, octahedral, or square planar based on the amine used and the nature of anion. Molar conductance measurements of the complexes in DMF indicate non-electrolytes. CS Chem 3-D Ultra Molecular Modeling and Analysis Program has been used for optimization of the molecular structures of some complexes. In vitro cytotoxicities of the complexes were tested against different carcinoma cell lines. Antimicrobial activities of the complexes were screened against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus), Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli), and fungal species (Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, and Microsporum canis).

Species identification of Aspergillus, Fusarium and Mucorales with direct surface analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Accurate species discrimination of filamentous fungi is essential, because some species have specific antifungal susceptibility patterns, and misidentification may result in inappropriate therapy. We evaluated matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for species identification through direct surface analysis of the fungal culture. By use of culture collection strains representing 55 species of Aspergillus, Fusarium and Mucorales, a reference database was established for MALDI-TOF MS-based species identification according to the manufacturer's recommendations for microflex measurements and MALDI BioTyper 2.0 software. The profiles of young and mature colonies were analysed for each of the reference strains, and species-specific spectral fingerprints were obtained. To evaluate the database, 103 blind-coded fungal isolates collected in the routine clinical microbiology laboratory were tested. As a reference method for species designation, multilocus sequencing was used. Eighty-five isolates were unequivocally identified to the species level (≥99% sequence similarity); 18 isolates producing ambiguous results at this threshold were initially rated as identified to the genus level only. Further molecular analysis definitively assigned these isolates to the species Aspergillus oryzae (17 isolates) and Aspergillus flavus (one isolate), concordant with the MALDI-TOF MS results. Excluding nine isolates that belong to the fungal species not included in our reference database, 91 (96.8%) of 94 isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF MS to the species level, in agreement with the results of the reference method; three isolates were identified to the genus level. In conclusion, MALDI-TOF MS is suitable for the routine identification of filamentous fungi in a medical microbiology laboratory.

Essential Oil of Juniperus communis subsp. alpina (Suter) Čelak Needles: Chemical Composition, Antifungal Activity and Cytotoxicity

Essential oils are known to possess antimicrobial activity against a wide spectrum of bacteria and fungi. In the present work the composition and the antifungal activity of the oils of Juniperus communis subsp. alpina (Suter) Čelak were evaluated. Moreover, the skin cytotoxicity, at concentrations showing significant antifungal activity, was also evaluated. The oils were isolated by hydrodistillation and analysed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal lethal concentration (MLC) were used to evaluate the antifungal activity of the oil against dermatophytes (Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum canis, M. gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale, T. rubrum, T. verrucosum), yeasts (Candida albicans, C. guillermondii, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, Cryptococcus neoformans) and Aspergillus species (Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger). Cytotoxicity was tested in HaCaT keratinocytes through the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Essential oil of J. communis subsp. alpina needles was predominantly composed of monoterpene hydrocarbons (78.4%), with the main compounds being sabinene (26.2%), α-pinene (12-9%) and limonene (10.4%). Results concerning the antifungal activity demonstrated the potential of needle oil against dermatophytes, particularly for Microsporum canis and Trichophyton rubrum with MIC and MLC of 0.32 μL/mL. Furthermore, evaluation of cell viability showed no significant cytotoxicity in HaCaT keratinocytes at concentrations between 0.32 and 0.64 μL/mL. These results show that it is possible to find appropriate doses of J. communis subsp. alpina oil with both antifungal activity and a very low detrimental effect on keratinocytes.

Novel Copper-Based Therapeutic Agent for Anti-Inflammatory: Synthesis, Characterization, and Biochemical Activities of Copper(II) Complexes of Hydroxyflavone Schiff Bases

Four hydroxyflavone derivatives have been synthesized with the aim of obtaining a good model of superoxide dismutase. Better to mimic the natural metalloenzyme, copper complexes have been designed. The Cu(II) complexes of general formulae, [CuL] where L = 5-hydroxyflavone-o-phenylenediamine (L¹H₂)/m-phenylenediamine (L²H₂) and 3-hydroxyflavone-o-phenylenediamine (L³H₂)/m-phenylenediamine (L⁴H₂) have been synthesized. The structural features have been determined from their analytical and spectral data. All the Cu(II) complexes exhibit square planar geometry. Redox behavior of copper complexes was studied and the present ligand systems stabilize the unusual oxidation state of the copper ion during electrolysis. The in vitro antimicrobial activities of the investigated compounds were tested against the bacterial species Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fungal species Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizoctonia bataicola, and Candida albicans. Superoxide dismutase and anti-inflammatory activities of the copper complexes have also been measured and discussed.

Sexual development and cryptic sexuality in fungi: insights fromAspergillusspecies

Major insights into sexual development and cryptic sexuality within filamentous fungi have been gained from investigations using Aspergillus species. Here, an overview is first given into sexual morphogenesis in the aspergilli, describing the different types of sexual structures formed and how their production is influenced by a variety of environmental and nutritional factors. It is argued that the formation of cleistothecia and accessory tissues, such as Hülle cells and sclerotia, should be viewed as two independent but co-ordinated developmental pathways. Next, a comprehensive survey of over 75 genes associated with sexual reproduction in the aspergilli is presented, including genes relating to mating and the development of cleistothecia, sclerotia and ascospores. Most of these genes have been identified from studies involving the homothallic Aspergillus nidulans, but an increasing number of studies have now in addition characterized 'sex-related' genes from the heterothallic species Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus. A schematic developmental genetic network is proposed showing the inter-relatedness between these genes. Finally, the discovery of sexual reproduction in certain Aspergillus species that were formerly considered to be strictly asexual is reviewed, and the importance of these findings for cryptic sexuality in the aspergilli as a whole is discussed.

Submerged fermentation of wheat bran by Aspergillus flavus for production and characterization of carboxy methyl cellulase

ObjectiveTo elucidate the capabilities of carboxy methyl cellulase (CMCase) production with the selective species of Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus). MethodsThe carboxy methyl cellulase (CMCase) expression in A. flavus was evaluated under different environmental conditions using submerged fermentation (SmF) on different agricultural byproducts. ResultsA. flavus produced high levels of CMCase under optimized culture conditions on 3rd day of incubation at an optimum pH 6.0, temperature 30 °C, inoculum size 4% in Czapek Dox using wheat bran as a substrate by SmF. Enhanced production occurred on addition of 4% wheat bran and 1% peptone as nutritional factors. The enzyme hydrolyzed wheat bran exhibiting Vmax value of 40 U/mg and K m value of 0.5 mg/mL at pH of 7. The enzyme was optimally activated 50 °C. Except Mg2+, all other metal ions such as Zn2+, Cu2+, Na+ and Ca2+ were found to be activators for the enzyme activity. ConclusionThe kinetic parameters showed the thermo stability, pH stability of the enzyme which reflects the potential and commercial significance of the enzyme.

Synthesis and Characterization of Thermally Stable and Biologically Active Metal-Based Schiff Base Polymer

Schiff base was prepared via condensation of ethanedihydrazide with 2-hydroxy benzaldehyde and further this monomeric Schiff base polymerize with formaldehyde and barbituric acid and form polymeric Schiff base (PLSB) ligand. The ligand and its polymer metal complexes were characterized by using elemental analysis, IR, UV–VIS, 1HNMR, magnetic susceptibility and thermogravimetric studies. On basis of elemental analysis and spectral studies, six coordinated geometry was assigned for Mn(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes and four coordinated for Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes. PLSB act as a tetradentate and coordinate through the azomethine nitrogen and phenolic oxygen. The thermal behavior of these polymer metal complexes showed that the hydrated complexes losses water molecules of hydration in the first step followed immediately by decomposition of the anions and ligand molecules in the subsequent steps. The (PLSB) ligands and its polymer metal complexes were screened against bacterial species Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and fungal species Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, A. niger. The activity data show that the metal complexes were more potent than the parent Schiff bases.

English

Fourteen fungal species (Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus candidus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochrochus, Botrytis&nbsp; cinerea, Chaetomium globosum, Fusarium moniliforme, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, Penicillium&nbsp; chrysogenum, Penicillium&nbsp; funiculosm, Penicillium&nbsp; italicum&nbsp;and&nbsp;Phanerochaete chrysosporium) belonging to Ascomycete, Basidiomycete and&nbsp; Deuteromycete groups were isolated from composted soil in Egypt. The ability of laser induced plasma as a new technique to enhance fungal degradation efficiency of starch based plastic polymer was tested. The maximum significant plastic degradation activities for all isolated fungal species were showed after the lowest exposure time (5 min) to laser induced plasma. The highest efficient fungal degraded starch based plastic polymer was&nbsp;A. niger, where the initial appearance of clear zone was recorded only after two days accompanied with the highest significant amylotic activities. The evaluation of changes in starch based plastic polymer degraded by&nbsp;A. niger&nbsp;compared with uninoculated and non plasma treated&nbsp;A. nigerdegraded starch based plastic polymer was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The maximum degradation efficiency accompanied with the highest loss of tensile strength (90 and 80.7%, respectively) was observed in the plasma treated&nbsp;A. nigerdegrading starch polymer. Four low molecular weight sugars were detected by HPLC in plasma and non plasma treated&nbsp;A. niger&nbsp;degrading plastic polymer. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Fungi, plastic, degradation, laser.

In vitro activity of a novel broad-spectrum antifungal, E1210, tested against Aspergillus spp. determined by CLSI and EUCAST broth microdilution methods.

E1210 is a first-in-class broad-spectrum antifungal that suppresses hyphal growth by inhibiting fungal glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI) biosynthesis. In the present study, we extend these findings by examining the activity of E1210 and comparator antifungal agents against Aspergillus spp. by using the methods of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and the European Committee for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) to test wild-type (WT) as well as amphotericin B (AMB)-resistant (-R) and azole-R strains (as determined by CLSI methods). Seventy-eight clinical isolates of Aspergillus were tested including 20 isolates of Aspergillus flavus species complex (SC), 22 of A. fumigatus SC, 13 of A. niger SC, and 23 of A. terreus SC. The collection included 15 AMB-R (MIC, ≥ 2 μg/ml) isolates of A. terreus SC and 10 itraconazole-R (MIC, ≥ 4 μg/ml) isolates of A. fumigatus SC (7 isolates), A. niger SC (2 isolates), and A. terreus SC (1 isolate). Comparator antifungal agents included anidulafungin, caspofungin, amphotericin B, itraconazole, posaconzole, and voriconazole. Both CLSI and EUCAST methods were highly concordant for E1210 and all comparators. The essential agreement (EA; ± 2 log(2) dilution steps) was 100% for all comparisons with the exception of posaconazole versus A. terreus SC (EA = 91.3%). The minimum effective concentration (MEC)/MIC(90) values (μg/ml) for E1210, anidulafungin, caspofungin, itraconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole, respectively, were as follows for each species: for A. flavus SC, 0.03, ≤ 0.008, 0.12, 1, 1, and 1; for A. fumigatus SC, 0.06, 0.015, 0.12, >8, 1, and 4; for A. niger SC, 0.015, 0.03, 0.12, 4, 1, and 2; and for A. terreus SC, 0.06, 0.015, 0.12, 1, 0.5, and 1. E1210 was very active against AMB-R strains of A. terreus SC (MEC range, 0.015 to 0.06 μg/ml) and itraconazole-R strains of A. fumigatus SC (MEC range, 0.03 to 0.12 μg/ml), A. niger SC (MEC, 0.008 μg/ml), and A. terreus SC (MEC, 0.015 μg/ml). In conclusion, E1210 was a very potent and broad-spectrum antifungal agent regardless of in vitro method applied, with excellent activity against AMB-R and itraconazole-R strains of Aspergillus spp.