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Aspergillus Infections in Cetaceans: A Systematic Review of Clinical, Ecological, and Conservation Perspectives
Victor Garcia-Bustos1,2, Inmaculada Rosario Medina2, Marta Dafne Cabanero-Navalon1
1Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain.
Abstract:
Aspergillus spp., particularly A. fumigatus, are increasingly reported as emerging pathogens in cetaceans, yet their clinical and ecological relevance remains poorly characterized. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from 34 studies involving 106 animals, identifying respiratory, neurological, and otic infections as the most frequent presentations with potential interspecies tropism. Invasive disease, frequently fatal, was linked to co-infections-especially with morbillivirus-and environmental stressors such as pollution- and climate-related immune suppression. Despite cetaceans' role as sentinel species, antifungal susceptibility testing and species-level identification were inconsistently performed. Additionally, azole-resistant A. fumigatus strains were isolated from wild porpoises, indicating environmental antifungal exposure and potential public health implications. Aspergillosis remains underdiagnosed in free-ranging populations, particularly in remote or pelagic species. Conservation implications were scarcely addressed, despite evidence suggesting that fungal disease may contribute to morbidity, stranding, and population impact. This review underscores the need for enhanced surveillance, integrative diagnostics, and recognition of fungal pathogens in a One Health framework. The growing intersection of climate change, emerging mycoses, and wildlife conservation positions Aspergillus infections in cetaceans as both a marine mammal health concern and an ecological indicator of broader environmental changes.
Insights
Aspergillus infections are emerging in whales and dolphins, causing serious illness and death, particularly when combined with other diseases or environmental stress. Azole-resistant strains highlight public health risks and the need for better marine mammal health monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Marine Mammal Health
- Mycology
- Wildlife Disease Ecology
Background:
- Emerging fungal pathogens, particularly Aspergillus species, are increasingly identified in cetaceans.
- The clinical significance and ecological role of these infections are not well understood.
- Cetaceans serve as sentinel species, reflecting broader environmental health issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize current evidence on Aspergillus infections in cetaceans.
- To characterize the clinical presentations, risk factors, and outcomes of these infections.
- To assess the implications for marine mammal conservation and public health.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of 34 studies.
- Inclusion of data from 106 cetacean cases.
- Analysis of infection sites, co-infections, environmental stressors, and diagnostic practices.
Main Results:
- Respiratory, neurological, and otic infections were most common, with potential for interspecies spread.
- Invasive and fatal aspergillosis was associated with co-infections (e.g., morbillivirus) and environmental stressors.
- Azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus strains were found in wild porpoises, indicating environmental antifungal exposure.
- Antifungal susceptibility testing and species identification were inconsistently performed.
Conclusions:
- Aspergillosis is an underdiagnosed threat to free-ranging cetaceans, impacting health and potentially populations.
- Findings highlight the need for improved surveillance, diagnostics, and a One Health approach.
- Aspergillus infections in cetaceans serve as an indicator of environmental changes, including climate impacts and antifungal pollution.
