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Discovery of Aspergillus frankstonensis sp. nov. during environmental sampling for animal and human fungal pathogens

Jessica J Talbot1, Jos Houbraken2, Jens C Frisvad3

  • 1Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.

Plos One
|August 10, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Environmental exposure to pathogenic Aspergillus fungi in Australia is high, particularly for species causing invasive fungal infections (IFI) in humans and pets. However, the specific Aspergillus viridinutans species complex was only found in a nature reserve, not in homes.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Environmental microbiology
  • Fungal genetics

Background:

  • Invasive fungal infections (IFI) caused by Aspergillus section Fumigati (ASF) species are a growing concern in human and feline health.
  • The prevalence and environmental risk of exposure to ASF, including the Aspergillus viridinutans species complex (AVSC), in Australia remain largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the risk of environmental exposure to pathogenic ASF species in Australia.
  • To investigate the ecological niche and phylogenetic characteristics of AVSC species in Australia.
  • To identify and characterize novel ASF species.

Main Methods:

  • Environmental sampling of air and soil from pet cat domiciles and a nature reserve in Frankston, Victoria.
  • Isolation and identification of ASF species using phylogenetic, morphological, and metabolomic analyses.
  • Phylogenetic, morphological, and physiological characterization of novel AVSC species.

Main Results:

  • 104 ASF species were isolated; 61% were Aspergillus fumigatus sensu stricto, 9% were AVSC (including a new species, Aspergillus frankstonensis sp. nov.), and 30% were other ASF species.
  • Seven known pathogenic ASF species constituted 25% of all isolates.
  • AVSC species were exclusively found in Frankston soil, indicating a specific ecological niche.
  • A new species, Aspergillus frankstonensis, was identified with distinct phylogenetic and metabolomic profiles.

Conclusions:

  • The risk of environmental exposure to pathogenic ASF species in Australia is substantial.
  • While AVSC species were found in a natural environment, no direct environmental exposure was detected in areas shared by humans and pets.
  • The discovery of Aspergillus frankstonensis expands our understanding of fungal biodiversity and potential pathogens.

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