Characterization of Stress-Induced Antifungal Resistance Mechanisms in Clinical Isolates of Trichosporon asahii

• Grant number: 25/07793-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Arnaldo Lopes Colombo
• Grantee: Manoela Piran Frigeri
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/10599-3 - The Antimicrobial Resistance Institute of São Paulo (The Aries Project), AP.CEPID

Abstract

Trichosporon asahii is an emerging fungal pathogen responsible for invasive infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. The increasing resistance to triazoles-especially fluconazole-poses a growing challenge for effective treatment. This study aims to investigate antifungal resistance mechanisms induced by environmental stress in clinical isolates of T. asahii. The research will assess antifungal susceptibility profiles, sequence the ERG11 gene to identify mutations linked to resistance, and evaluate how various environmental stressors influence antifungal resistance. Findings from this study will advance the understanding of stress-induced resistance mechanisms and support the development of more effective therapeutic strategies. (AU)