Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026
Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
Published on: March 9, 2018
Aspergillosis: An Update on Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Susceptibility, and Treatment
Carlos Alberto Castro-Fuentes1,2,3, Juan Pablo Cabrera-Guerrero4,5, Esperanza Duarte-Escalante2
1Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Avenida Universidad 3000, Coyoacán, Mexico City 04510, Mexico.
Abstract:
Aspergillosis is one of the most common fungal infections worldwide, caused by various species belonging to the genus Aspergillus, affecting both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. The objective of this review was to provide an update on the last five years regarding various aspects of this mycosis, including epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, susceptibility, and treatment. The results showed that aspergillosis is distributed throughout the world. Furthermore, A. terreus was found to be an increasing causative agent in cases of aspergillosis, along with other less common species. Regarding clinical forms, particularly in the case of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA), it is necessary to consider patients with structural lung impairment (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Interstitial Lung Diseases). Meanwhile, newly identified risk factors for the development of aspergillosis include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (odds ratio 1.88) and interstitial lung disease (OR 3.71). Furthermore, the main diagnostic methodologies for aspergillosis were polymerase chain reaction (PCR), matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF), and next-generation sequencing (NGS). Additionally, the usefulness of isavuconazole compared to voriconazole was demonstrated, representing a better alternative for the treatment of aspergillosis, while novel antifungals such as olorofim and fosmanogepix show excellent results in the management of aspergillosis. Due to the discovery of new risk factors, coupled with antifungal resistance in Aspergillus spp. and the wide variety of diagnostic tools, individualized assessment of aspergillosis cases is necessary for the appropriate management of this mycosis.
Insights
Aspergillosis, a common fungal infection, shows increasing A. terreus cases and new risk factors like COPD. Advanced diagnostics and newer antifungals like isavuconazole offer improved management strategies for this global mycosis.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Aspergillosis is a prevalent global fungal infection caused by Aspergillus species.
- It affects both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals.
- Recent trends show an increase in A. terreus as a causative agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated review of aspergillosis over the last five years.
- To cover epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, susceptibility, and treatment.
- To highlight recent advancements in managing this mycosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on studies from the past five years.
- Analysis of epidemiological data, identified risk factors, and diagnostic techniques.
- Evaluation of current and emerging antifungal treatments.
Main Results:
- Aspergillosis is globally distributed, with A. terreus emerging as a significant pathogen.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Interstitial Lung Diseases are newly identified risk factors.
- Advanced diagnostics include polymerase chain reaction (PCR), MALDI-TOF, and next-generation sequencing (NGS).
- Isavuconazole shows promise as a superior treatment to voriconazole; novel antifungals like olorofim and fosmanogepix demonstrate excellent efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Individualized patient assessment is crucial due to evolving risk factors, antifungal resistance, and diverse diagnostic tools.
- Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) requires consideration in patients with underlying lung conditions.
- The landscape of aspergillosis management is advancing with new diagnostics and therapeutics.
More Related Videos
15:01Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy-Based Quantitative Analysis of Aspergillus fumigatus Conidia Distribution in Whole-Mount Optically Cleared Mouse Lung
Published on: September 18, 2021
08:01Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology
Published on: March 22, 2012
Related Concept Videos
01:28Fungal Phylum Ascomycota
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
01:20Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia