Echinocandins such as caspofungin and micafungin show excellent activity against Candida and Aspergillus species. Which of the following fungi is characteristically INHERENTLY RESISTANT to all echinocandins?

• A Cryptococcus neoformans ✓
• B Candida glabrata
• C Candida krusei
• D Aspergillus terreus

Explanation

Echinocandins inhibit beta-1,3-glucan synthase, blocking cell wall glucan synthesis. Cryptococcus neoformans is uniformly resistant because its capsule and cell wall rely predominantly on polysaccharides other than beta-glucan, and its glucan content differs structurally. Candida krusei is intrinsically resistant to fluconazole, not echinocandins, while Candida glabrata may develop reduced susceptibility but remains largely susceptible. Aspergillus terreus, notable for amphotericin resistance, is fully echinocandin-susceptible.

Reference: Katzung's Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 16th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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