Geographically structured genotypes and resistance clustering in Aspergillus fumigatus

Abstract We analysed 498 global Aspergillus fumigatus isolates using multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat (MLVA) typing to investigate regional clustering, environmental–clinical overlap, and azole resistance patterns. The dataset, including 155 newly genotyped Korean strains, revealed extensive genotypic diversity and four distinct phylogeographic clusters. Resistance-associated mutations (TR34/TR46) were concentrated within specific clusters, particularly among European and East Asian lineages. These findings support the presence of geographically structured populations and localised emergence of resistance. This is the first global application of MLVA to A. fumigatus, underscoring its value for molecular surveillance in settings where whole-genome sequencing remains limited.