Genomic characterization of greenhouse-associated Aspergillus fumigatus from China reveals population structure, antifungal resistance, and relationships with global lineages.

One well-supported clade (Clade B) of greenhouse-derived Aspergillus fumigatus from Yunnan, China is enriched in greenhouse environments and linked to stable azole resistance.

• Why it matters: Azole-resistant infections are difficult to treat, but the genetic basis of resistance and how agricultural hotspots connect to human disease remain unclear.
• What they did: The authors analyzed 226 greenhouse-derived isolates in a global genomic framework, then expanded sampling across greenhouse soils, air, agricultural markets, and clinical sources using multilocus genotyping and genome-wide association analyses.
• The result: Identical or highly similar genotypes, including TR₃₄/L98H-bearing resistant strains, were detected across environments, and genome-wide association highlighted candidate antifungal resistance and stress-tolerance loci beyond canonical cyp51A mutations.

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