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Aspergillus infections in cystic fibrosis

Jill King1, Shan F Brunel1, Adilia Warris1

  • 1Institute of Medical Sciences, Aberdeen Fungal Group, University of Aberdeen, UK.

The Journal of Infection
|May 15, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Aspergillus fungi, often overlooked in cystic fibrosis (CF), may significantly contribute to lung disease progression. Further research is needed to understand fungal persistence and its impact on CF lung health.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Mycology

Background:

  • Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients experience chronic lung infections and inflammation, with respiratory failure being the primary cause of mortality.
  • Bacterial pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are well-studied in CF, but the role of fungi, particularly Aspergillus spp., is less understood.
  • Filamentous fungi, including Aspergillus spp., are frequently detected in CF respiratory samples, suggesting a potential role in non-allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (non-ABPA) respiratory disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the disease phenotypes associated with Aspergillus spp. in CF patients.
  • To explore the mechanisms of Aspergillus persistence and infection in the CF lung.
  • To discuss the role of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein in innate immunity and potential new treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review summarizing current knowledge on Aspergillus spp. in CF.
  • Discussion of Aspergillus disease phenotypes and their impact on CF lung health.
  • Analysis of the CFTR protein's function in innate immune responses to fungal pathogens.

Main Results:

  • Aspergillus spp. are frequently recovered from CF respiratory samples and may play a significant role in chronic lung disease.
  • There is a lack of research on the mechanisms of Aspergillus persistence and its link to lung deterioration in CF.
  • The CFTR protein's role in innate immunity against fungal infections requires further elucidation.

Conclusions:

  • Aspergillus spp. represent a potentially significant, yet understudied, contributor to chronic lung disease in cystic fibrosis.
  • Understanding the interaction between Aspergillus spp., CFTR function, and the immune system is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies.
  • Further research into fungal pathogenesis in CF is warranted to improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality.
Keywords:
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosisAspergillosisAspergillusAspergillus fumigatusCFTRCystic fibrosis

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