What question did this study set out to answer?

To establish a fungal reference laboratory in the UAE to improve diagnostic capabilities and resistance surveillance.

January 14, 2026Open Forum Infectious Diseases0 citationsOpen Access

P-1722. Establishment of the First Fungal Reference Laboratory in the UAE: Bridging Diagnostics, Resistance Surveillance, and Public Health Gaps

FDFatima Al DhaheriAbu Dhabi University AGAkela GhazawiAbu Dhabi University HVHari Pankaj VanamAbu Dhabi University

Key Points

To establish a fungal reference laboratory in the UAE to improve diagnostic capabilities and resistance surveillance.
Developed a molecular mycology platform for fungal culture and identification
Created a fungal biobank linking isolates to clinical metadata
Established transportation networks for centralized processing
Adapted SOPs from international fungal centers
Focused on dermatophytosis, invasive molds, and zoonotic fungi
Collected 213 fungal isolates, with 130 (61%) sequenced
Reduced fungal identification turnaround time to under five days
Established sequencing pipelines for molds like Aspergillus and Fusarium
Identified 80% prevalence of terbinafine-resistant Trichophyton indotineae with specific mutations
Initiated antifungal resistance surveillance and stakeholder engagement to integrate diagnostics into UAE AMR frameworks

Abstract

Abstract Background The global rise in fungal infections and antifungal resistance highlights the urgent need for specialized diagnostic and surveillance capacity. Although fungal diseases are estimated to affect 2.5% of the UAE population, national laboratory infrastructure for fungal identification and resistance monitoring was previously absent. In 2024, the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) established the country’s first fungal reference laboratory to address critical diagnostic gaps, support public health surveillance, and contribute to national AMR efforts. Methods Between May 2024 and April 2025, a molecular mycology platform was launched, incorporating fungal culture, macroscopic/microscopic identification, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and multilocus sequencing. A fungal biobank was created, linking isolates to clinical metadata. Transportation networks were developed across all Emirates for centralized processing. SOPs were adapted from international fungal centers. Core research areas included dermatophytosis, invasive molds, candidiasis, zoonotic fungi (One Health), and rare species discovery. Results A total of 213 fungal isolates were collected; 130 (61%) were sequenced. Fungal identification turnaround time was reduced to under five days. Sequencing pipelines for molds such as Aspergillus and Fusarium were established. Dermatophyte surveillance showed 80% prevalence of terbinafine-resistant Trichophyton indotineae with Phe397Leu/Ala448Thr SQLE mutations. Pilot antifungal resistance surveillance and national stakeholder engagement were initiated to integrate fungal diagnostics into UAE AMR frameworks. Conclusion The UAE’s first fungal reference lab has strengthened national diagnostic and resistance surveillance capacity. Future goals include scaling fungal biobanking, expanding susceptibility testing, and advancing One Health studies to position the UAE as a regional hub for fungal public health. Disclosures Nathan P. Wiederhold, PharmD, Basilea: Grant/Research Support|bioMerieux: Grant/Research Support|Bruker: Grant/Research Support|F2G: Grant/Research Support|Mycovia: Grant/Research Support|Scynexis: Grant/Research Support|Sfunga: Grant/Research Support

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