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Updated: Aug 20, 2026
Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology
Published on: March 22, 2012
Detection of gliotoxin in experimental and human aspergillosis
Russell E Lewis1, Nathan P Wiederhold, Jingduan Chi
1University of Houston College of Pharmacy; 1441 Moursund St. #423, Houston, TX 77030, USA. rlewis@uh.edu
Abstract:
Gliotoxin was measured in the lungs (mean, 3,976 +/- 1,662 ng/g of tissue) and sera (mean, 36.5 +/- 30.28 ng/ml) of mice with experimentally induced invasive aspergillosis (IA), and levels decreased with antifungal therapy. Gliotoxin could also be detected in the sera of cancer patients with documented (proven or probable) IA.
Insights
Gliotoxin, a fungal toxin, was detected in mice with invasive aspergillosis (IA) and decreased with treatment. This mycotoxin was also found in cancer patients diagnosed with IA.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Toxicology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a serious fungal infection.
- Gliotoxin is a mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus species.
- Biomarkers for IA diagnosis and monitoring are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure gliotoxin levels in a mouse model of IA.
- To assess the effect of antifungal therapy on gliotoxin levels.
- To investigate the presence of gliotoxin in cancer patients with IA.
Main Methods:
- Experimentally induced invasive aspergillosis in mice.
- Quantification of gliotoxin in lung tissue and serum using ELISA.
- Measurement of gliotoxin in serum from cancer patients with IA.
Main Results:
- Significant levels of gliotoxin were found in mouse lungs and sera.
- Antifungal therapy led to a decrease in gliotoxin levels.
- Gliotoxin was detectable in the sera of cancer patients with IA.
Conclusions:
- Gliotoxin is present during invasive aspergillosis in mice.
- Antifungal treatment reduces gliotoxin burden.
- Gliotoxin may serve as a potential biomarker for IA in immunocompromised patients.
