Aspergillus fumigatus identification and antibiotic sensitivity in Iraqi patients

Pulmonary aspergillosis is a severe infection in immunocompromised caused by Aspergillus fungi, with Aspergillus fumigatus being the most frequently cultured of this genus, although A. flavus, A. niger, A. terrus also include If left untreated, invasive aspergillosis can have mortality approaching 100%.
A total of 105 samples were collected from TB patients with symptom of lung infection . These sputum samples were obtained from patients treated in Public health department Chest and Respiratory diseases clinic, from February 2023 to April 2023. All samples were transferred to the laboratory for culturing to isolation and identification fungi after labeling each sample with questionnaire form. Lacto phenol cotton blue staining method was used in identification of fungal isolates, fungi isolated by inoculating sample on culture media such as sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA), and disc diffusion.
The sample mean ± standard deviasion (SD) of age was 48.5±14.2 years (ranged 9-75 years). Male to female ratio was 2:1.5, age groups number and percentage were 32(30.5%), 13(12.4%), 14(13.3%), 14(13.3%), 16(15.2%) and 16(15.3%) in the age groups <=29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and >=70. Laboratory investigations indicated that 40 (38.1%) of the total samples diagnosed with a fungus species, 16 (15.3%) of them present with Candida species followed by 14 (13.3%) with A.fumigatus, 5 (4.8%) with A. niger, 3 (2.8%) with A.terreus and 2 (1.9%) A.flavus, while negative results were indicated in 65 (61.9%) of collected samples. A.fumigatus. isolates were subjected to susceptibility testing using different antifungals. The antifungal drugs NYS, KEA, CMZ, ICZ and PCZ were the most effect. Resistant outcomes were reported in FCZ, while intermediate results were showed in MIC and AMB. The results showed an increase in the prevalence of Aspergillus fumigatus in Iraqi patients. This prevalence may be alarming on public health.