# Whole-genome sequencing, phenotypic characterization, and antifungal susceptibility profiles of three Aspergillus hortae clinical isolates from Colombia

## TL;DR

This study analyzes three Colombian clinical isolates of Aspergillus hortae, revealing their genetic and antifungal properties.

## Contribution

The study provides whole-genome sequencing, morphological characterization, and antifungal susceptibility profiles of A. hortae isolates from Colombia.

## Key findings

- A. hortae isolates showed thermotolerance and phylogenetic divergence from reference genomes.
- Isolates exhibited intrinsic resistance to amphotericin B and susceptibility to azoles.
- A mutation (M769K) in the MelA ortholog was identified in a hypopigmented isolate.

## Abstract

The Aspergillus genus comprises fungi that are widely distributed in nature. Several Aspergillus sections are important for recycling organic matter; while the Fumigati section is classically associated with compost, the Terrei section also plays a relevant role in this process. Aspergillus hortae is a species from this section that has been isolated from clinical samples, but its role as a pathogenic agent is unclear. In this study, we analysed three clinical isolates of A. hortae from Colombia, initially misidentified as A. terreus. Morphological characterization at 26 °C and 37 °C confirmed its thermotolerant nature. Whole-genome sequencing enabled accurate species identification and revealed phylogenetic divergence from the reference genome. Antifungal susceptibility testing (EUCAST broth microdilution) showed intrinsic resistance to amphotericin B (MIC 2–4 mg/L) and susceptibility to azoles (MIC 0.25–1 mg/L). A mutation (M769K) in the MelA ortholog of a hypopigmented isolate, which had the lowest MIC value for AmB (2 mg/L), was identified. This study presents the morphological characterization, molecular typing through whole-genome analysis and identification of susceptibility profiles to azoles and amphotericin B of three clinical isolates of A. hortae from Colombia.