biostudies-literatureMarin-Carvajal SDepartamento Administrativo de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovacióne0342479https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12912593biostudies-literatureUnknown21(2)The Aspergillus genus comprises fungi that are widely distributed in nature. Several Aspergillus sections are important for recycling organic matter; while the Fumigati section is classically associated with compost, the Terrei section also plays a relevant role in this process. Aspergillus hortae is a species from this section that has been isolated from clinical samples, but its role as a pathogenic agent is unclear. In this study, we analysed three clinical isolates of A. hortae from Colombia, initially misidentified as A. terreus. Morphological characterization at 26 °C and 37 °C confirmed its thermotolerant nature. Whole-genome sequencing enabled accurate species identification and revealed phylogenetic divergence from the reference genome. Antifungal susceptibility testing (EUCAST brPloS oneWhole-genome sequencing, phenotypic characterization, and antifungal susceptibility profiles of three Aspergillus hortae clinical isolates from Colombia.PMC12912593221384467683Marin-Carvajal SRua-Giraldo AMcEwen JGZuleta MCTorres SQuiceno Torres MLopez AMGomez OMHernandez OBorges CLGarcia AMfalseWhole-genome sequencing, phenotypic characterization, and antifungal susceptibility profiles of three Aspergillus hortae clinical isolates from Colombia.The Aspergillus genus comprises fungi that are widely distributed in nature. Several Aspergillus sections are important for recycling organic matter; while the Fumigati section is classically associated with compost, the Terrei section also plays a relevant role in this process. Aspergillus hortae is a species from this section that has been isolated from clinical samples, but its role as a pathogenic agent is unclear. In this study, we analysed three clinical isolates of A. hortae from Colombia, initially misidentified as A. terreus. Morphological characterization at 26 °C and 37 °C confirmed its thermotolerant nature. Whole-genome sequencing enabled accurate species identification and revealed phylogenetic divergence from the reference genome. Antifungal susceptibility testing (EUCAST br2026-01-01T00:00:00Z20262026-07-16T05:14:16.566Z2026-07-09T10:38:10.462ZS-EPMC129125934170175310.1371/journal.pone.0342479