31/01/25 (Agence Europe) – Extensive use of azole fungicides (azoles), particularly in certain agricultural and horticultural practices, can increase the risk of Aspergillus fungi developing resistance to essential antifungal treatments. This finding is highlighted in a report published on 30 January by the five European health and environment agencies, with the support of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC). The report points out that the widespread use of azole fungicides outside human medicine, particularly in agriculture, contributes to the risk of Aspergillus becoming resistant to azoles. According to the agencies, exposure to certain environments where azole fungicides are used or present, such as in agricultural and horticultural waste or freshly cut wood, can potentially increase the risk of infection by azole-resistant Aspergillus spp. More details: https://aeur.eu/f/fb1 (LC)