UNLABELLED: The Aspergillus genus encompasses a diverse array of species, some of which are opportunistic pathogens. Traditionally, human aspergillosis has primarily been linked to a few Aspergillus species, predominantly A. fumigatus. Changes in epidemiology and advancements in molecular techniques have brought attention to less common and previously unrecognized pathogenic cryptic species. Despite the taxonomic recognition of many cryptic species in section Terrei, their virulence potential and clinical implications, compared to A. terreus sensu stricto, remain poorly understood. Hence, the current study utilized the alternative in vivo model Galleria mellonella to evaluate the virulence potential of 19 accepted Aspergillus species in section Terrei, classified into three series (major phylogenetic clades): Terrei, Nivei, and Ambigui. Analyzing the median survival rates of infected larvae of all species in each series revealed that series Ambigui has a significantly lower virulence compared to series Terrei and Nivei. Taking a closer look at series Terrei and Nivei revealed a trend of survival within each clade, dividing the species into two groups: highly virulent (up to 72 h survival) and less virulent (up to 144 h survival). Histological observation, considering fungal distribution and filamentation, further supported this assessment, revealing increased distribution and hyphal formation in virulent species. Additionally, the susceptibility profile of conventional antifungals was determined, revealing an increased azole minimum inhibitory concentration for some tested cryptic species such as A. niveus and A. iranicus. Our results highlight the importance of cryptic species identification, as they can exhibit different levels of virulence and show reduced antifungal susceptibility. IMPORTANCE: With changing fungal epidemiology and an increasingly vulnerable population, cryptic Aspergillus species are emerging as human pathogens. Their diversity and clinical relevance remain underexplored, with some species showing reduced antifungal susceptibility and higher virulence, highlighting the need for better preparedness in clinical practice. Using the Galleria mellonella model, we assessed the virulence of Aspergillus species of section Terrei, including cryptic and non-cryptic species, across three series Terrei, Nivei, and Ambigui. The results revealed significant virulence variation among the series, with some cryptic species displaying high virulence. Histological analysis confirmed increased hyphal formation and fungal spread in the more virulent species. Additionally, elevated azole minimum inhibitory concentrations were also observed in certain cryptic species. This study presents novel insights into the pathogenicity of Aspergillus section Terrei, emphasizing the critical importance of accurately identifying cryptic species due to their diverse virulence potential and antifungal resistance, which may have substantial clinical implications.

• MeSH
• antifungální látky farmakologie   MeSH
• Aspergillus * patogenita   klasifikace   účinky léků   genetika   MeSH
• aspergilóza * mikrobiologie   MeSH
• fylogeneze MeSH
• larva mikrobiologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• modely nemocí na zvířatech MeSH
• můry * mikrobiologie   MeSH
• virulence MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

• MeSH
• amfotericin B farmakologie   terapeutické užití   MeSH
• Aspergillus patogenita   MeSH
• aspergilóza * diagnóza   farmakoterapie   MeSH
• debridement metody   MeSH
• kazuistiky jako téma MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mukormykóza * diagnóza   farmakoterapie   MeSH
• novorozenci extrémně nezralí * MeSH
• novorozenec MeSH
• Rhizopus patogenita   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• novorozenec MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• přehledy MeSH

The presence ofAspergillusmycotoxins has been confirmed in various feed and food. They represent a hid-den threat that cannot be completely prevented. In animal husbandry, they impair their productive health and, in hu-man nutrition, they can cause acute or chronic health com-plications. This article provides an overview of the most important secondary metabolites of the genus Aspergillusin terms of their occurrence, toxicity and physico-chemical properties.

• MeSH
• aflatoxiny * chemie   škodlivé účinky   toxicita   MeSH
• Aspergillus * chemie   metabolismus   patogenita   MeSH
• gliotoxin chemie   škodlivé účinky   toxicita   MeSH
• karcinogeny chemie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• ochratoxiny * chemie   škodlivé účinky   toxicita   MeSH
• patulin chemie   škodlivé účinky   toxicita   MeSH
• sterigmatocystin chemie   škodlivé účinky   toxicita   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH

Pľúcnu aspergilózu vyvoláva všadeprítomná oportúnne patogénna pleseň z rodu Aspergillus,ktorej produktom sú hydrofóbne konídie uvoľňované do prostredia. Po vdýchnutí sa konídievďaka svojej malej veľkosti dostávajú až do pľúcnych alveol. U geneticky predisponovaných,polymorbidných alebo imunokompromitovaných pacientov vzniká najčastejšie infekcia dol-ných dýchacích ciest pod obrazom viacerých syndrómov. Pľúcnu aspergilózu podľa etiopa-togenézy, rizikových faktorov a dĺžky obdobia trvania rozdeľujeme na: alergickú, chronickúa invazívnu formu. Pri všetkých formách je dôležitá včasná diagnostika, pretože akékoľvekoneskorenie alebo inadekvátna liečba znamená prechod do chronických alebo diseminova-ných foriem s rozvojom komplikácií a veľmi závažnou prognózou.

Pulmonary aspergillosis is caused by the ubiquitous pathogenic fungus of the genus As-pergillus, which produces hydrophobic conidia released to the air. Due to its small dimensions,the conidia get into the alveoli in the lungs upon inhalation. The infection of the lower res-piratory tract imitating various different syndromes is the most common in the case of ge-netically predisposed, polymorbid or immunocompromised patients. Pulmonary aspergillosiscan be classified into allergic, chronic and invasive, based on etiopathogenesis, risk factorsand the length of the infection. Immediate diagnosis is crucial because inadequate treatmentor late diagnosis mean a transition to chronic or disseminated forms with more complicationsand a very serious prognosis.

• MeSH
• alkoholismus komplikace   MeSH
• antibakteriální látky terapeutické užití   MeSH
• antifungální látky terapeutické užití   MeSH
• Aspergillus patogenita   MeSH
• chronická nemoc MeSH
• diferenciální diagnóza MeSH
• glukokortikoidy škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• imunokompromitovaný pacient * MeSH
• itrakonazol terapeutické užití   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• plíce diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• plicní aspergilóza * diagnóza   patofyziologie   terapie   MeSH
• vorikonazol terapeutické užití   MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• kazuistiky MeSH

The present study aims to evaluate the diagnostic yield of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in patients with hematological malignancies and describe the most common pathogens detected in BAL fluid (BALF.) An analysis of 480 BALF samples was performed in patients with hematological malignancies over a period of 7 years. The results of culture methods, PCR, and immunoenzymatic sandwich microplate assays for Aspergillus galactomannan (GM) in BALF were analyzed. Further, the diagnostic thresholds for Aspergillus GM and Pneumocystis jiroveci were also calculated. Microbiological findings were present in 87% of BALF samples. Possible infectious pathogens were detected in 55% of cases; 32% were classified as colonizing. No significant difference in diagnostic yield or pathogen spectrum was found between non-neutropenic and neutropenic patients. There was one significant difference in BALF findings among intensive care units (ICU) versus non-ICU patients for Aspergillus spp. (22% versus 9%, p = 0.03). The most common pathogens were Aspergillus spp. (n = 86, 33% of BAL with causative pathogens) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 46, 18%); polymicrobial etiology was documented in 20% of cases. A quantitative PCR value of > 1860 cp/mL for Pneumocystis jirovecii was set as a diagnostic threshold for pneumocystis pneumonia. The absorbance index of GM in BALF of 0.5 was set as a diagnostic threshold for aspergillosis. The examination of BAL fluid revealed the presence of pathogen in more than 50% of cases and is, therefore, highly useful in this regard when concerning pulmonary infiltrates.

• MeSH
• Aspergillus genetika   izolace a purifikace   patogenita   MeSH
• bronchoalveolární lavážní tekutina mikrobiologie   MeSH
• DNA fungální genetika   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• hematologické nádory komplikace   mikrobiologie   MeSH
• jednotky intenzivní péče MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mannany analýza   MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• neutropenie mikrobiologie   MeSH
• Pneumocystis carinii genetika   izolace a purifikace   patogenita   MeSH
• pneumocystová pneumonie diagnóza   mikrobiologie   MeSH
• retrospektivní studie MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• Streptococcus pneumoniae genetika   izolace a purifikace   patogenita   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Aspergillus moulds are increasingly being recognised as significant human pathogens that can cause life-threatening infections in the context of host immune dysregulation, particularly in the lung. It is now clear that there is a close relationship between infection susceptibility and the fine regulation of pulmonary immunity and inflammation. While the contribution of IL-17/Th17 responses to both physiological and pathological lung inflammation is now well established, the cellular interactions, soluble factors, and signalling pathways that determine Th17 cell responses to fungal infection remain unclear. Here, we identify potential key mediators of fungus-DC-T cell interactions in the respiratory tract, with a focus on the DC-derived cytokines thought to exert a major influence on generation of pathological Th17 cells. We review recent data indicating a crucial role for Aspergillus-induced autophagy in lung DCs on subsequent T-cell polarization and modulation of 'stemness', which appears critical for avoiding pathological lung inflammation and promoting disease resolution.

• MeSH
• Aspergillus imunologie   patogenita   MeSH
• autofagie MeSH
• buňky Th17 imunologie   MeSH
• cytokiny metabolismus   MeSH
• dendritické buňky imunologie   MeSH
• interakce hostitele a patogenu * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• modely nemocí na zvířatech MeSH
• plicní aspergilóza farmakoterapie   patologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

Aspergily jsou ubikvitní houby, které u vnímavých jedinců mohou způsobit závažná onemocnění. Nejčastěji infikovaným orgánem jsou plíce. Závažnost onemocnění je závislá na stupni invaze houby do plicní tkáně, ta stoupá úměrně s rozvojem imunodeficitu pacienta. Invazivitu procesu prokáže jednoznačně pouze histologické vyšetření vzorku infikované plicní tkáně. Klasické mykologické metody detekují mikroskopickými nebo kultivačními technikami přítomnost houby ve vyšetřovaných vzorcích z dýchacích cest. Dále je možné prokázat v séru nebo bronchoalveolární tekutině specifický aspergilový antigen galaktomanan a nespecifický beta-D-glukan. Detekce protilátek proti aspergilům má přínos pouze u chronických forem onemocnění. V článku se autorka zabývá přínosem jednotlivých mykologických vyšetřovacích metod v diagnostice různých forem plicní aspergilózy.

Aspergillus are ubiquitous fungi that can cause serious illnesses in susceptible individuals. The most commonly infected organ is the lungs. The severity of the disease depends on the degree of the invasion of the lung tissue by fungi, which rises proportionally with the development of immunodeficiency. The only way to clearly determine the degree to which the lungs have been invaded is to carry out a histological examination of a sample of the infected tissue. Conventional mycological methods can detect the presence of the fungus in samples from a patient's airways by using microscopy or culture techniques. Furthermore, it is possible to determine the presence of the specific Aspergillus antigen, galactomannan, and of non-specific beta-D-glucan in the serum or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The detection of antibodies against Aspergillus is only relevant for chronic forms of the disease. This article discusses the benefits of different mycological examination methods in the diagnosis of various forms of pulmonary aspergillosis.

• Klíčová slova
• galaktomanan, lateral flow device,
• MeSH
• Aspergillus klasifikace   patogenita   MeSH
• beta-glukany analýza   MeSH
• chromatografie afinitní metody   MeSH
• kultivační techniky MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• lipopolysacharidy krev   MeSH
• mykologické určovací techniky MeSH
• plíce anatomie a histologie   MeSH
• plicní aspergilóza * diagnóza   patologie   MeSH
• senzitivita a specificita MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• souhrny MeSH

Although myriads of experimental approaches have been published in the field of fungal infection diagnostics, interestingly, in 21st century there is no satisfactory early noninvasive tool for Aspergillus diagnostics with good sensitivity and specificity. In this work, we for the first time described the fungal burden in rat lungs by multimodal imaging approach. The Aspergillus infection was monitored by positron emission tomography and light microscopy employing modified Grocott's methenamine silver staining and eosin counterstaining. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry imaging has revealed a dramatic iron increase in fungi-affected areas, which can be presumably attributed to microbial siderophores. Quantitative elemental data were inferred from matrix-matched standards prepared from rat lungs. The iron, silver, and gold MS images collected with variable laser foci revealed that particularly silver or gold can be used as excellent elements useful for sensitively tracking the Aspergillus infection. The limit of detection was determined for both (107) Ag and (197) Au as 0.03 μg/g (5 μm laser focus). The selective incorporation of (107) Ag and (197) Au into fungal cell bodies and low background noise from both elements were confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray scattering utilizing the submicron lateral resolving power of scanning electron microscopy. The low limits of detection and quantitation of both gold and silver make ICP-MS imaging monitoring a viable alternative to standard optical evaluation used in current clinical settings.

• MeSH
• Aspergillus izolace a purifikace   patogenita   MeSH
• aspergilóza diagnóza   diagnostické zobrazování   mikrobiologie   MeSH
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mikroskopie elektronová rastrovací metody   MeSH
• multimodální zobrazování metody   MeSH
• plíce diagnostické zobrazování   mikrobiologie   patologie   MeSH
• pozitronová emisní tomografie metody   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

• Klíčová slova
• Dectin-1,
• MeSH
• adaptivní imunita fyziologie   MeSH
• Aspergillus patogenita   MeSH
• fagocytóza MeSH
• houby * cytologie   imunologie   patogenita   MeSH
• kandidóza etiologie   klasifikace   patologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mykózy etiologie   imunologie   klasifikace   patologie   MeSH
• přirozená imunita fyziologie   MeSH
• zánět * etiologie   imunologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• přehledy MeSH

The aim of this study was to experimentally test chromogenic media and reagents for a rapid diagnosis of toxigenic microfungi Aspergillus flavus, A. carbonarius, A. ochraceus, Penicillium expansum, P. verrucosum, and P. citrinum isolated from foodstuffs. Toxigenic microfungi of Aspergillus and Penicillium species are considered to be of major relevance for human and animal health. The presence of these toxigenic microfungi in foodstuffs and feedstuffs raises a potential risk of mycotoxins (for example presence of aflatoxins, cyclopiazonic acid, ochratoxin A, patulin or citrinin). In order to reduce the risks for consumers’ health, it is necessary to set rapid methods for toxigenic microfungi isolated from foodstuffs and also feedstuffs. Application of chromogenic media and reagents presents one of the possibilities. The selected strains of toxigenic microfungi, producing mycotoxins, were tested on chromogenic media. The chromogenic media and reagents in our study are suitable for a microbiological and mycological laboratory. The benefits of chromogenic media and reagents include a rapid diagnosis within 48–72 h, simple preparation, easy availability and relatively low prices.

• MeSH
• analýza potravin MeSH
• Aspergillus izolace a purifikace   klasifikace   patogenita   MeSH
• bezpečnost potravin MeSH
• chromogenní sloučeniny MeSH
• indikátory a reagencie MeSH
• krmivo pro zvířata MeSH
• kultivační média * klasifikace   MeSH
• mikrobiologické techniky * metody   MeSH
• mitosporické houby * izolace a purifikace   klasifikace   metabolismus   patogenita   MeSH
• mykotoxiny biosyntéza   izolace a purifikace   klasifikace   škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• Penicillium izolace a purifikace   klasifikace   patogenita   MeSH
• potravinářská mikrobiologie MeSH
• Publikační typ
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH