Increased prevalence and altered species composition of filamentous fungi in respiratory specimens from cystic fibrosis patients

• DOI: 10.1111/apm.12253
• Publication Date: 2014-04-03T06:33:11Z
• Authors: Signe M. Nielsen; Lise Kristensen; Annette Søndergaard; Kurt J. Handberg; Jørgen Stenderup; Niels Nørskov‐Lau...
• Keywords: Respiratory tract

Filamentous fungi cultured from respiratory tract specimens submitted to the department of clinical microbiology, Aarhus University Hospital, during 2010 were identified by morphology and internal transcribed spacer ( ITS ) sequencing. Of 343 fungal isolates, discrepancies between identification methods observed for four isolates (1.2%), while species was achieved only with sequencing 16 (4.7%). isolated 15% cystic fibrosis CF samples in contrast 2% non‐ samples. From patients, a total nine different found 188 48 whereas 24 155 111 patients. associated significant overrepresentation Aspergillus fumigatus Scedosporium species; contrast, frequency Penicillium spp. other putative contaminants significantly increased The altered variation filamentous is contradictory scenario incidentally inhaled spores, trapped viscous airway mucus these patients subsequently expectorated; rather, our data most likely reflect both an prevalence proportion truly colonizing this patient group.