Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 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

New insights into invasive aspergillosis--from the pathogen to the disease

Ulrike Binder1, Cornelia Lass-Flörl

  • 1Department of Hygiene, Microbiology and Social Medicine, Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tirol, Austria. ulrike.binder@i-med.ac.at

Current Pharmaceutical Design
|January 3, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Invasive aspergillosis (IA), a severe fungal infection, has high mortality due to diagnostic challenges and poor understanding of Aspergillus fumigatus virulence factors. This review explores A. fumigatus properties and host immune interactions.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Aspergillus spp. cause diverse diseases, with invasive aspergillosis (IA) being the most severe in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Aspergillus fumigatus is the primary cause of IA, responsible for 90% of cases.
  • High mortality rates (50-95%) are linked to diagnostic difficulties, limited treatments, and poor understanding of fungal virulence and host immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the properties of Aspergillus fumigatus, focusing on its putative virulence factors.
  • To examine the interactions between Aspergillus fumigatus and the host immune system, particularly the innate immune system.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific articles on Aspergillus fumigatus, virulence factors, and host immune responses.
  • Focus on studies detailing the mechanisms of A. fumigatus pathogenicity and host immune evasion.

Main Results:

  • Aspergillus fumigatus possesses various virulence factors contributing to its pathogenicity.
  • The interaction between A. fumigatus and the innate immune system is complex and crucial for disease outcome.
  • Understanding these interactions is key to developing better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Conclusions:

  • Further research into Aspergillus fumigatus virulence factors and host immune interactions is essential.
  • Improved understanding may lead to reduced mortality rates associated with invasive aspergillosis.
  • Targeting fungal virulence and enhancing host immunity are potential therapeutic avenues.

More Related Videos

Live Imaging of Antifungal Activity by Human Primary Neutrophils and Monocytes in Response to A. fumigatus12:29

Live Imaging of Antifungal Activity by Human Primary Neutrophils and Monocytes in Response to A. fumigatus

Published on: April 19, 2017

Infection of Zebrafish Larvae with Aspergillus Spores for Analysis of Host-Pathogen Interactions09:42

Infection of Zebrafish Larvae with Aspergillus Spores for Analysis of Host-Pathogen Interactions

Published on: May 16, 2020

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...
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...
Colonisation of Pathogens01:25

Colonisation of Pathogens

Pathogen colonization of host tissues is a critical step in the development of infectious diseases. Various pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa, have evolved complex strategies to attach to, invade, and persist within host environments. These mechanisms enable pathogens to establish infections, evade immune responses, and resist antimicrobial treatments.Attachment to Host CellsIn bacteria, colonization typically begins with adherence to host epithelial...
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...