Impact of Scedosporium apiospermum complex seroprevalence in patients with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Species of the Scedosporium apiospermum complex (S. a complex) are emerging fungi responsible for chronic airway colonization in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Recent studies performed on Aspergillus fumigatus suggest that the colonization of the airways by filamentous fungi may contribute to the progressive deterioration of lung function.

METHODS: We studied S. a complex seroprevalence, as a marker of close contact between patient and the fungi, in a large monocentric cohort of CF patients attended in a reference centre in Lyon, France.

RESULTS: Serum samples from 373 CF patients were analysed. Antibodies against S. a complex were detected in 35 patients (9.4%). In multivariate analysis, S. a complex seropositivity was only associated with seropositivity to A. fumigatus.

CONCLUSIONS: This study does not suggest an association between sensitization against S. a complex and poorer lung function in CF. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate the impact of both seropositivity and S. a complex colonization on the course of CF.