Aspergillus fumigatus
Also known as: Aspergillus fumigatus, A. fumigatus
Overview
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous saprophytic mold found in soil, decaying organic matter, and indoor environments. It is a common airborne fungus and a major cause of invasive aspergillosis, especially in immunocompromised individuals. This fungus is not used as a supplement ingredient but is primarily studied as a pathogen causing invasive fungal infections, particularly in patients with hematologic malignancies or those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). It produces airborne conidia (spores) that can be inhaled, leading to respiratory infections. Extensive research exists on its pathogenicity, epidemiology, and antifungal treatment, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses on infection management. High-quality clinical studies and meta-analyses focus on antifungal treatment efficacy and infection outcomes, but no evidence supports its use as a supplement.
Benefits
There are no benefits of Aspergillus fumigatus as a supplement; rather, it is a pathogen causing serious infections. Its presence is associated with disease, not health benefits. Therefore, there are no population-specific benefits, effect sizes, or clinical significance related to supplementation.
How it works
Aspergillus fumigatus conidia can penetrate respiratory epithelial cells via actin-mediated processes without damaging the epithelium, evading immune clearance. It interacts with host receptors such as Dectin-1 and may exploit defective phagosome acidification in cystic fibrosis macrophages to persist. It mainly affects the respiratory system, causing invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in immunocompromised hosts. Host immune receptors (e.g., Dectin-1) and fungal cell wall components (e.g., (1→3)-α-glucan) are known molecular targets. It is not absorbed or bioavailable in the context of supplementation, as it is a fungal pathogen.
Side effects
Aspergillus fumigatus is a pathogen and poses significant health risks, especially to immunocompromised individuals. Invasive aspergillosis symptoms include fever, cough, chest pain, and respiratory distress. Uncommon side effects include disseminated infection affecting other organs. Rare side effects include allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in susceptible individuals. Antifungal drugs used against A. fumigatus have known interactions. Exposure should be avoided in immunocompromised patients. High risk is present in patients with hematologic malignancies, HSCT recipients, and cystic fibrosis patients.
Dosage
Not applicable; A. fumigatus is not administered as a supplement.
FAQs
Is Aspergillus fumigatus a supplement ingredient?
No, it is a fungal pathogen, not a dietary supplement ingredient.
Can Aspergillus fumigatus be beneficial?
No, it causes invasive fungal infections and is a health hazard in vulnerable populations.
How is infection treated?
Antifungal agents such as voriconazole, isavuconazole, and liposomal amphotericin B are used, with combination therapies showing improved outcomes.
What are the risks of exposure?
Inhalation of spores can lead to severe infections in immunocompromised individuals.
Research Sources
- https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/cmr.00140-18 – This comprehensive review describes Aspergillus fumigatus biology, host interactions, and pathogenic mechanisms. It highlights the fungus's ability to penetrate epithelial cells and evade immune responses, particularly in cystic fibrosis and immunocompromised hosts.
- https://academic.oup.com/ofid/article/12/4/ofaf163/8078659 – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 studies (n=991 patients) showed a 7% incidence of breakthrough invasive fungal infections during isavuconazole prophylaxis, with Aspergillus species responsible for 43.1% of cases. Mortality rates often exceeded 50%, underscoring the severity of infection.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1504826/full – This meta-analysis comparing antifungal therapies in invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, demonstrating that voriconazole combined with anidulafungin, isavuconazole, and voriconazole alone had superior safety and lower all-cause mortality compared to amphotericin B formulations in patients with invasive aspergillosis.
- https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/mmbr.00011-23 – This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of Aspergillus fumigatus and its interactions with the host immune system. It details how the fungus evades immune responses and establishes infection, particularly in vulnerable individuals.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8012598/ – This research explores the pathogenesis of Aspergillus fumigatus and its role in causing invasive aspergillosis. It highlights the importance of understanding the fungus's virulence factors and host susceptibility in preventing and treating infections.
