Prevalence of Scedosporium species and Lomentospora prolificans in patients with cystic fibrosis in a multicenter trial by use of a selective medium

J Cyst Fibros. 2015 Mar;14(2):237-41. doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2014.12.014. Epub 2015 Jan 13.

Abstract

Objective: Detection of hyphomycetes of the Scedosporium apiospermum complex and Lomentospora prolificans (Sac-Lp) is not yet standardized. Prevalence rates in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and the resistance pattern of these pathogens in Germany are unknown.

Methods: In a one-year prospective study 11 laboratories used a selective medium for isolation of Sac-Lp, examining >11,600 respiratory samples from 2346 patients with CF. Isolates were identified by molecular methods and tested for susceptibility to antifungal drugs.

Results: The prevalence of Sac-Lp in patients with CF in Germany varied from 0.0 to 10.5% (mean: 3.1%) among the clinical centres. The benefit of the selective medium SceSel(+) compared to standard media for fungi was documented for >5000 samples. High antifungal resistance was detected in the S. apiospermum complex, and the multiresistance of L. prolificans was confirmed.

Conclusion: Microbiology laboratories should be aware of these resistant species in patients with CF and consider using a selective medium.

Keywords: Cystic fibrosis; Germany; Lomentospora; Prevalence; Scedosporium.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Culture Media / pharmacology*
  • Cystic Fibrosis* / complications
  • Cystic Fibrosis* / epidemiology
  • Cystic Fibrosis* / microbiology
  • Drug Resistance, Fungal
  • Female
  • Germany / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests / methods
  • Mycoses* / diagnosis
  • Mycoses* / epidemiology
  • Mycoses* / etiology
  • Mycoses* / microbiology
  • Prevalence
  • Prospective Studies
  • Scedosporium* / classification
  • Scedosporium* / drug effects
  • Scedosporium* / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Culture Media