Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
09:52

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis

Published on: March 9, 2018

Unusual Aspergillus species in patients with cystic fibrosis

Françoise Symoens1, Gerhard Haase, Marc Pihet

  • 1Scientific Institute of Public Health, Brussels, Belgium. Francoise.Symoens@wiv-isp.be

Medical Mycology
|November 12, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Two rare Aspergillus species, Aspergillus lentulus and Neosartorya pseudofischeri, were identified in cystic fibrosis patients. These fungi show reduced susceptibility to common antifungal treatments, posing potential challenges in managing infections.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Microbiology

Background:

  • Routine identification of Aspergillus species in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients often misclassifies unusual or poorly sporulating isolates.
  • Accurate identification is crucial for effective antifungal treatment and patient management.

Observation:

  • Eleven isolates of Aspergillus lentulus and Neosartorya pseudofischeri were recovered from four CF patients.
  • These species, belonging to the Aspergillus section Fumigati, were often co-isolated with Aspergillus fumigatus.
  • A. lentulus was observed during a decade-long study of one CF patient, while N. pseudofischeri was found in multiple patients across different hospitals.

Findings:

  • DNA sequencing and morphological analysis confirmed the species identification, distinguishing them from Aspergillus spp.
  • Neither A. lentulus nor N. pseudofischeri grew at 50°C.
  • All N. pseudofischeri isolates displayed very low susceptibility to voriconazole (VRZ).
  • A. lentulus isolates showed very low susceptibility to both VRZ and amphotericin B.

Implications:

  • The identification of A. lentulus and N. pseudofischeri highlights the need for advanced diagnostic methods in CF patient care.
  • The observed antifungal resistance patterns suggest potential treatment limitations and the need for alternative therapeutic strategies.
  • These findings underscore the importance of species-level identification for understanding fungal colonization and infection dynamics in immunocompromised individuals.

More Related Videos

Isolation of Culturable Yeasts and Molds from Soils to Investigate Fungal Population Structure10:33

Isolation of Culturable Yeasts and Molds from Soils to Investigate Fungal Population Structure

Published on: May 27, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Fungal Phylum Ascomycota01:28

Fungal Phylum Ascomycota

Phylum Ascomycota, a major division within the subkingdom Dikarya, comprises a diverse range of fungal species, including both unicellular yeasts and filamentous molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi thrive in a variety of habitats, from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial environments, playing crucial ecological and economic roles.Morphology and ReproductionThe defining characteristic of Ascomycetes, commonly referred to as sac fungi, is the ascus—a sac-like structure that...
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis01:23

Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis

Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disorder, significantly affects the function of exocrine glands. This genetically inherited disease is characterized by the production of thick and sticky mucus, which can severely affect various organs and systems in the body.
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation, but...
Fungal Group Zygomycota01:29

Fungal Group Zygomycota

Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
Cystic Fibrosis: Management01:24

Cystic Fibrosis: Management

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder that predominantly affects individuals of Northern European descent, occurring at a rate of 1 in 3500. It is caused by a genetic mutation in a gene on chromosome 7, most commonly the ΔF508 mutation, that codes for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. This results in thicker mucus secretions and obstruction pathologies in multiple organs, including the lungs and sinuses.
Sinus disease and chronic sinusitis...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...