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17 February 2025 | Story Andre Damons | Photo Supplied
Prof Carolina Pohl-Albertyn
Prof Carlien Pohl-Albertyn is the NRF SARChI Research Chair in Pathogenic Yeasts at the UFS.

A new study by researchers from the University of the Free State (UFS), the National Health Laboratory Service, and the University of Venda has confirmed for the first time that common brown locusts are carriers of pathogenic yeasts that can cause severe infections in humans – especially in people with compromised immune systems or who are seriously ill.

The study, ‘South African brown locusts, Locustana pardalina, hosts fluconazole resistant, Candidozyma (Candida) auris (Clade III)’, highlights for the first time the presence of the pathogenic (disease-producing) fungal yeast C. auris in the digestive tract of the locusts, and shows their potential in disseminating this emerging pathogen. The research started in April 2022, when 20 gregarious (swarming) adult locusts were collected during a large locust outbreak which occurred from September 2021 to May 2022 in the semi-arid Eastern Karoo region in the Eastern Cape. The study is still under peer review.

According to Prof Carlien Pohl-Albertyn, National Research Foundation (NRF) SARChI Research Chair in Pathogenic Yeasts, three C. auris strains were isolated from three different adult locusts, two of which also harboured strains of another potentially pathogenic yeast, Candida orthopsilosis. “The fact that we were able to isolate C. auris from 15% of the sampled locusts, using non-selective media and a non-restrictive temperature of 30°C, may indicate that C. auris is abundant in the locusts and that specific selective isolation is not mandatory,” Prof Pohl-Albertyn said.

“Interestingly, C. auris was isolated from the fore- and hindgut of the locusts. Isolation from the foregut, which is dedicated to food intake and storage, filtering and partial digestion, indicates that C. auris was probably obtained by the locusts via feeding activities. Isolation from the hindgut confirms that C. auris can survive the digestive processes in the midgut and is likely to be released back into the environment via faeces.”

Healthy humans are not at great risk

One of the C. auris strains was studied in more detail. This strain was not resistant to disinfectants but showed decreased susceptibility to the common antifungal drug fluconazole. This is a characteristic of this yeast species and thus not surprising. Most of the emerging pathogenic yeasts show this intrinsic resistance. This highlights the urgent need to discover and develop new antifungal drugs.

Prof Pohl-Albertyn, also a Professor of Microbiology in the UFS Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, says, “Healthy humans are not at great risk for infection by this yeast and there is currently no proof that ingestion may be harmful to them. This is unfortunately not the case for people with compromised immune systems or who are seriously ill. However, few susceptible people come into direct contact with the locusts in South Africa.”

She added that there are treatment options available, using other antifungal drugs, but C. auris can become resistant to all the currently available antifungal drugs.

Importance of the study

“The fact that locusts are a food source for other animals, such as birds, could lead to eventual distribution of the yeast to people. In other countries, wild locusts are a food source for humans and there more direct transmission may be possible,” Prof Pohl-Albertyn said.

She explained that this study tries to answer questions regarding the natural hosts of this emerging pathogen and how it may facilitate the spread of the pathogen to the rest of the environment. The study is one part of the puzzle regarding how new pathogens may emerge from the environment and spread to people.

“One of the questions in the field of pathogenic yeasts is how C. auris was able to emerge as a pathogen in several different countries in a relatively short period. It is well known as a hospital-acquired pathogen, but it is not known where in the environment it occurs naturally, and which environmental factors may have shaped its evolution and ability to cause human infections. This has implications for the prevention of the spread of this specific yeast species, as well as our preparedness for new pathogenic yeasts that may be emerging from the environment.”

News Archive

UFS application figures show a good upward trend
2008-10-23

Applications for admission to the University of the Free State (UFS) are showing an upward trend. In comparison with the same time last year, the total application figure has increased from 6 273 to 7 507 – a growth of 19,7%.

So far, applications for postgraduate studies are showing the biggest growth with 1 342 applications received. During the same time last year, 594 applications for postgraduate studies were received – an increase of 126%.

Prospective students have until 30 November 2008 to apply for admission. “This applies to first-time entering first-year students and senior students who have interrupted their studies for at least one year,” said Mr Vernon Collett, Registrar: Student Academic Services, at the UFS.

According to Mr Collett students whose applications for admission are received after 30 November 2008 and until 13 January 2009 will be accepted subject to the availability of place on the programme they applied for.

Applications from prospective students who wrote the Senior Certificate (prior to 2008) and who are in the possession of a conditional exemption will only be accepted until 5 January 2009.

Prospective students who want to apply must pay a non-refundable fee of R140.
The signed application form must be accompanied by a certified copy of the prospective student’s identity document or passport, a proof of payment of the application fee as well as a certified copy of their Statement of Results of their Senior Certificate.

Prospective students who are in Grade 12 this year will receive a National Senior Certificate. A certified copy of their Statement of Results must be faxed to the UFS not later than 7 January 2009.

The application form of a minor must be signed by his/her parent or guardian and the field of study should be clearly indicated.

First-time entering first-year students from the Faculties of Economic and Management Sciences and the Humanities (including Education) will be welcomed by the Acting Rector, Prof. Teuns Verschoor, on Friday, 9 January 2009 at 09:00 in the Callie Human Centre on the Main Campus.

The welcoming of students from the Faculties of Health Sciences, Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Law and Theology will take place on Saturday, 10 January 2009 at 09:00 in the Callie Human Centre.

The registration of first-time entering first-year students will commence on 13 January 2009 and that of senior students on 19 January 2009 at the Callie Human Centre according to a programme.

Students who applied for admission after 30 November 2008 and are accepted can register from 4 February 2009.

Lectures will commence on 2 February 2009 and the registration process will end on 10 February 2009. This is applicable to all students – undergraduate as well as postgraduates

Prospective students who want to apply for admission or who have any enquiries can call 051 401 3000 or visit the UFS web site at www.ufs.ac.za.

 

Media Release:
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za  
22 October 2008

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