Bloodstream infections caused by Magnusiomyces capitatus and Magnusiomyces clavatus: epidemiological, clinical and microbiological features of two emerging yeast species

Abstract

Background: Magnusiomyces clavatus and Magnusiomyces capitatus are emerging yeasts with intrinsic resistance to many commonly used antifungal agents. Identification is difficult, and determination of susceptibility patterns with commercial and reference methods is equally challenging. For this reason, few data on invasive infections by Magnusiomyces spp. are available. Objectives: To determine the epidemiology and susceptibility of Magnusiomyces isolates from bloodstream infections (BSI) isolated in Germany and Austria from 2001-2020. Methods: In seven institutions a total of 34 Magnusiomyces BSI were identified. Identification was done by ITS sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS. Antifungal susceptibility was determined by EUCAST broth microdilution and gradient tests. Results: Of the 34 isolates, M. clavatus was more common (N=24) compared to M. capitatus (N=10). BSI by Magnusiomyces spp. were more common in men (62%) and mostly occurred in patients with haemato-oncological malignancies (79%). The highest in vitro antifungal activity against M. clavatus / M. capitatus was observed for voriconazole (MIC 50 0.03/0.125 mg/L), followed by posaconazole (MIC 50 0.125/0.25 mg/L). M. clavatus isolates showed overall lower MICs compared to M. capitatus . With the exception of amphotericin B, low essential agreement between gradient test and microdilution was recorded for all antifungals (0-70%). Both species showed distinct morphologic traits on ChromAgar Orientation and Columbia blood agar, which can be used for differentiation if no MALDI-TOF or molecular identification is available. Conclusion: Most BSI were caused by M. clavatus. The lowest MICs were recorded for voriconazole. Gradient tests demonstrated unacceptably low agreement and should preferably not be used for susceptibility testing of Magnusiomyces spp.