Human-impacted areas of France are environmental reservoirs of the Pseudallescheria boydii/Scedosporium apiospermum species complex

Species of the Scedosporium apiospermum complex are emerging fungal pathogensable to chronically colonize the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). As Scedosporium boydii was found more frequently colonizing the lungs of CF patients in France than in other European countries in a previous report, the present study was conducted in order to specify and to characterize the natural habitat of species of the S. apiospermum complex in our country. The highest densities of isolates from the S. apiospermum species complex were found in human-impacted areas, i.e. agricultural areas, fluids obtained from wastewater treatment plants, playgrounds and industrial areas. No isolates of the S. apiospermum complex were recovered from soil samples collected in forests. Most soil samples culture-positive for the S. apiospermum complex exhibited a pH range of 6 to 8. Scedosporium dehoogii, the most abundant species (n = 102), was detected in all human- impacted area types except vineyards, whereas Scedosporium aurantiacum (n = 56) was mostly found in agricultural areas. Scedosporium boydii (n = 51) and S. apiospermum (n = 49) were predominantly isolated from seashores and playgrounds, respectively. Scedosporium minutisporum was found only once from a playground. This study highlights potential sources of contamination of the patients, especially in the CF context.