One-health pathogens in the Aspergillus viridinutans complex

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Live Imaging of Antifungal Activity by Human Primary Neutrophils and Monocytes in Response to A. fumigatus
12:29

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

Published on: April 19, 2017

Jessica J Talbot1, Vanessa R Barrs1

  • 1The University of Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia, Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences.

Medical Mycology
|April 6, 2017
PubMed

Insights

The Aspergillus viridinutans complex (AVC) comprises emerging fungal pathogens causing chronic and difficult-to-treat infections in humans and animals. Understanding AVC species is crucial for effective one-health management strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • One Health

Background:

  • Cryptic species within Aspergillus section Fumigati are recognized as significant pathogens in both human and animal health.
  • The Aspergillus viridinutans complex (AVC) has expanded to include 10 species, with six identified as pathogenic.
  • These pathogenic AVC species cause severe invasive syndromes, including chronic pulmonary aspergillosis in humans and disseminated infections in companion animals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the history, phylogenetic relationships, and characteristics of the Aspergillus viridinutans complex.
  • To explore the environmental distribution, secondary metabolite production, and clinical significance of AVC species.
  • To provide insights into the antifungal susceptibility patterns of AVC, relevant for one-health practitioners.

Main Methods:

  • Phylogenetic analysis to delineate species within the AVC.
  • Review of existing literature on clinical cases and environmental isolates.
  • Antifungal susceptibility testing to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs).

Main Results:

  • The AVC includes six pathogenic species causing invasive diseases in humans, cats, and dogs.
  • AVC infections are often chronic and less responsive to antifungal therapy compared to Aspergillus fumigatus.
  • Higher MICs of antifungal drugs are characteristic of AVC species.

Conclusions:

  • The Aspergillus viridinutans complex represents a growing threat in both human and veterinary medicine.
  • Effective management requires a comprehensive understanding of AVC's phylogeny, clinical impact, and drug resistance.
  • This review highlights the importance of a one-health approach for addressing infections caused by these emerging fungal pathogens.
Keywords:
AspergillusAspergillus viridinutans complexaspergillosiscryptic speciessection Fumigati

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