Katherin Castro Ríos, a professor at the School of Nutrition and Dietetics, participated as a speaker at the “Brazilian Network Meeting: Aspergillus fumigatus Antimicrobial Resistance – Protecting Health in the Face of Agricultural Pressures.” This event, held at the São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu campus, brought together global experts to address the challenges of fungal resistance.
In her presentation, the professor gave a talk entitled “Aspergillus fumigatus and the Rise of Azole Resistance – A Growing Concern for Public Health and Food Safety.” This work is the result of an international collaboration with researchers María Clara Shiroma Buri, Arla Daniela Ramalho da Cruz, and Professor Paulo Cezar Ceresini, affiliated with the Department of Plant Protection at UNESP, Ilha Solteira campus in Brazil.
The researcher explained how Aspergillus fumigatus (a pathogen of “critical priority” for the WHO) develops resistance to azoles due to selective pressure from agricultural fungicides. The team highlighted risks in the food chain due to the presence of the fungus in cereals, fruits, and beverages such as coffee and tea. From a One Health perspective, her presentation demonstrated how production environments act as reservoirs for resistant strains, directly linking environmental health with global food security. The event concluded with the signing of a public statement to promote the responsible use of fungicides.
In addition, Professor Katherin held a strategic meeting with Professor Flavia Queiroga Aranha, attached to the Department of Human Sciences and Nutrition and Food Sciences at UNESP Botucatu, with the aim of establishing the basis for future academic mobility of students and teachers between the two institutions.
