Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 13, 2025
Efficient Method for Imaging Murine Lungs that Preserves Spatial Dynamics of Fungal Spores in the Airways
Published on: December 13, 2024
Respiratory Mycoses in COPD and Bronchiectasis
Pei Yee Tiew1,2, Micheál Mac Aogáin3,4, Soo Kai Ter1
1Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 11 Mandalay Road, Nanyang, 308232, Singapore.
Abstract:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis represent chronic airway diseases associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Bacteria and viruses are commonly implicated in acute exacerbations; however the significance of fungi in these airways remains poorly defined. While COPD and bronchiectasis remain recognized risk factors for the occurrence of Aspergillus-associated disease including chronic and invasive aspergillosis, underlying mechanisms that lead to the progression from colonization to invasive disease remain uncertain. Nonetheless, advances in molecular technologies have improved our detection, identification and understanding of resident fungi characterizing these airways. Mycobiome sequencing has revealed the complex varied and myriad profile of airway fungi in COPD and bronchiectasis, including their association with disease presentation, progression, and mortality. In this review, we outline the emerging evidence for the clinical importance of fungi in COPD and bronchiectasis, available diagnostic modalities, mycobiome sequencing approaches and association with clinical outcomes.
Insights
Fungi play a significant role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis exacerbations. Understanding airway mycobiomes improves diagnosis and treatment for these chronic airway diseases.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology and Medical Mycology
Background:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis are major causes of illness and death.
- Fungal roles in exacerbations of these chronic airway diseases are not well understood.
- Aspergillus species are linked to COPD and bronchiectasis, but progression from colonization to invasive disease is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical significance of fungi in COPD and bronchiectasis.
- To discuss diagnostic methods and mycobiome sequencing for airway fungi.
- To explore associations between airway fungi and clinical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of emerging evidence on fungal infections in chronic airway diseases.
- Analysis of diagnostic modalities for fungal detection.
- Examination of mycobiome sequencing data and its clinical correlations.
Main Results:
- Advances in molecular technology enhance the detection and identification of airway fungi.
- Mycobiome sequencing reveals diverse fungal profiles in COPD and bronchiectasis.
- Fungal presence is associated with disease presentation, progression, and mortality.
Conclusions:
- Fungi are clinically important in COPD and bronchiectasis.
- Mycobiome analysis offers insights into disease mechanisms and outcomes.
- Further research is needed to clarify fungal roles and optimize management strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:26COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
01:22Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
01:25Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...