Acquired Amphotericin B Resistance Attributed to a Mutated ERG3 in Candidozyma auris

Abstract

First identified in 2009, Candidozyma auris (formerly Candida auris) is an emerging multidrug resistant fungus that can cause invasive infections with a crude mortality rate ranging from 30-60%. Currently, 30-50% of C. auris isolates are intrinsically resistant to amphotericin B. In this work, we characterized a clinical case of acquired amphotericin B resistance using whole genome sequencing, a large-scale phenotypic screen, comprehensive sterol profiling, and genotypic reversion using CRISPR. Data obtained in this work provides evidence that a deletion resulting in a frameshift in ERG3 contributes to the observed resistant phenotype. Characterization of this isolate also revealed a fitness cost is associated with the abrogation of ergosterol production and its replacement with other late-stage sterols. This article presents a clinical case description of amphotericin B resistance from a frameshift mutation in ERG3 in C. auris and marks an advancement in the understanding of antifungal resistance in this fungal pathogen.