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Molecular epidemiology of Aspergillus collected from cystic fibrosis patients

Raquel Sabino1, Jose A G Ferreira2, Richard B Moss3

  • 1National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge-Infectious Diseases Department, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States; California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA, United States.

Journal of Cystic Fibrosis : Official Journal of the European Cystic Fibrosis Society
|December 3, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Aspergillus fumigatus is the predominant species causing respiratory infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. This study highlights its unique suitability for chronic colonization in CF airways, guiding future therapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Aspergillus respiratory infections are frequent in cystic fibrosis (CF).
  • These infections lead to pulmonary function decline and allergic conditions.
  • Understanding Aspergillus species prevalence is crucial for CF patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively identify Aspergillus species colonizing the airways of cystic fibrosis patients.
  • To investigate the species diversity and prevalence of Aspergillus in CF respiratory infections.
  • To determine if cryptic Aspergillus species are prevalent in CF patients.

Main Methods:

  • Molecular identification of Aspergillus isolates using Internal Transcribed Spacer Region (ITS), β-tubulin, and calmodulin gene sequencing.
  • Analysis of 53 Aspergillus isolates obtained from cystic fibrosis patients.
  • Species-level identification of all isolates.

Main Results:

  • Aspergillus fumigatus sensu stricto was the most prevalent species (51 isolates).
  • Limited presence of other species, including Aspergillus terreus and Aspergillus niger.
  • No cryptic species of Aspergillus were detected in this cohort.

Conclusions:

  • Aspergillus fumigatus sensu stricto demonstrates a specific association with cystic fibrosis airways.
  • The unique characteristics of A. fumigatus likely facilitate its chronic residence in the CF lung.
  • Findings may inform targeted epidemiological and therapeutic strategies for Aspergillus-related CF complications.
Keywords:
AspergillusCryptic speciesCystic fibrosis

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