Are Cystic Fibrosis Aspergillus fumigatus Isolates Different? Intermicrobial Interactions with Pseudomonas

Hasan Nazik, Richard B. Moss, Vyshnavi Karna, Karl V. Clemons, Niaz Banaei, Kevin Cohen, Varun Choudhary, David A. Stevens

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus are the leading bacterial and fungal pathogens in cystic fibrosis (CF). We have shown that Af biofilms are susceptible to Pseudomonas, particularly CF phenotypes. Those studies were performed with a reference virulent non-CF Aspergillus. Pseudomonas resident in CF airways undergo profound genetic and phenotypic adaptations to the abnormal environment. Studies have also indicated Aspergillus from CF patients have unexpected profiles of antifungal susceptibility. This would suggest that Aspergillus isolates from CF patients may be different or altered from other clinical isolates. It is important to know whether Aspergillus may also be altered, as a result of that CF environment, in susceptibility to Pseudomonas. CF Aspergillus proved not different in that susceptibility.