Human aspergillosis is an emerging infectious disease (EIDs) primarily caused by the ubiquitous, fungal saprophyte Aspergillus fumigatus. As an opportunistic human pathogen, A. fumigatus can causes a range of symptoms, from minor allergies to invasive aspergilloisis (IA), a life-threatening infection in immunocompromised hosts. In the environment, A. fumigatus plays a crucial role in the decomposition of organic material and can regularly be found in soil or on decaying plant material (e.g. compost or crop stubble).
Susceptible human hosts are infected with A. fumigatus through the inhalation of airborne condia, which are asexually produced spores dispersed on mass by the fungus. For established infections, azole antifungals, such as itraconazole, voriconazole and posconazole, are prescribed for management and prophylaxis of IA. However, the emergence of azole resistance in A. fumigatus has been identified globally and is now considered and evolving public health problem.
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Fisher Lab
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