Tackling Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus Through Environmental Monitoring and Policy – National University of the Litoral

Lead applicant

Dr Guillermo Effon – National University of the Litoral

Co-applicants

Rafael Lajmanovich – National University of the Litoral, and CONICET

Gustavo Giusiano – CONICET

Marcelo Carmona – University of Buenos Aires

María Lujan Cuestas – University of Buenos Aires

Francisco José Reynaldi – CONICET

Nicolás Refojo – National Institute of Infectious Diseases “Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán” – ANLIS

Geographical focus – Argentina, with direct benefits to other LMICs

Research Theme – Innovative platforms

Lay summary

Aspergillus fumigatus is a fungus that, while not harmful to plants, is exposed to fungicides used in agriculture. This exposure leads to the development of azole-resistant strains, which FAILSAFE Funding Application – up to £75k Projects Round1.v1.0 Page 2 of 31 pose a significant threat to human and animal health. In Argentina, the use of certain fungicides alone or in combination has been found to select for these resistant strains. Our project aims to combat the growing issue of antifungal resistance, particularly in A. fumigatus resistant to medical triazole antifungals. We will investigate the environmental impact of fungicide use and generate susceptibility data for these fungicides in A. fumigatus strains. This will help us establish important thresholds, known as epidemiological cut-off values (ECVs), to monitor resistance levels. We will also develop a screening tool to detect areas with high levels of azole-resistant A. fumigatus and create guidelines to minimize the negative impact of fungicides while ensuring effective control of fungal diseases in crops and animals and humans.