Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026
Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
Published on: March 9, 2018
Cytotoxicity of Aspergillus fungi isolated from hospital environment
Agnieszka Gniadek1, Anna B Macura, Maciej Górkiewicz
1Department of Medical and Environmental Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland. mxgniade@cyf-kr.edu.pl
Abstract:
The majority of mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus fungi are immunosuppressive agents, and their cytotoxicity may impair defense mechanisms in humans. The objective of the study was evaluation of the cytotoxicity of fungi isolated from an environment where inpatients with impaired immunity were present. The materials comprised 57 fungal strains: Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger: Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus versicolor and Aspergillus ustus isolated from hospital rooms in Cracow. The cytotoxicity of all the strains was evaluated using the MTT test (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide). To emphasize the differences in cytotoxicity among the particular strains, variance analysis (ANOVA) and Tukey's difference test were used. Out of 57 Aspergillus strains tested, 48 (84%) turned out to be cytotoxic. The cytyotoxicity was high (+++) in 21 strains, mainly in A. fumigatus. The least cytotoxic were A. niger fungi, this being statistically significant (p<0,05). To protect a patient from the adverse effects of mycotoxins, not only his or her immunity status should be evaluated but also the presence of fungi in hospital environment and their cytotoxicity should be monitored (possible exposure).
Insights
Many Aspergillus fungi strains isolated from hospital rooms are cytotoxic, posing a risk to immunocompromised patients. Monitoring fungal presence and their toxicity is crucial for patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Environmental Microbiology
- Immunotoxicology
Background:
- Aspergillus fungi produce mycotoxins that are immunosuppressive and cytotoxic.
- Cytotoxicity of mycotoxins can compromise human defense mechanisms.
- Hospital environments may harbor fungi, posing risks to vulnerable patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cytotoxicity of Aspergillus fungal strains isolated from hospital rooms.
- To assess the risk posed by environmental fungi to immunocompromised inpatients.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of 57 Aspergillus strains (A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. ochraceus, A. flavus, A. versicolor, A. ustus) from hospital rooms.
- Cytotoxicity assessment using the MTT assay.
- Statistical analysis including ANOVA and Tukey's test to compare strain cytotoxicity.
Main Results:
- 84% (48 out of 57) of the tested Aspergillus strains exhibited cytotoxicity.
- High cytotoxicity (+++) was observed in 21 strains, predominantly Aspergillus fumigatus.
- Aspergillus niger strains showed the least cytotoxicity, a statistically significant finding (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of environmental Aspergillus strains in hospital settings are cytotoxic.
- Aspergillus fumigatus is a major contributor to high cytotoxicity.
- Monitoring hospital environments for cytotoxic fungi is essential for protecting immunocompromised patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Fungal Phylum Ascomycota
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis