Work

Comparative overview of Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, and A. niger: Pathogenicity, resistance, and public health significance

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Fungal diseases represent a major global health challenge, with Aspergillus species like A. fumigatus, A. flavus, and A. niger acting as key opportunistic pathogens. These fungi cause a spectrum of illness from allergy to life-threatening invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients. This review synthesizes evidence (2000-2025) on their pathogenicity, resistance, and clinical impact, providing a comparative analysis of species-specific differences in conidial morphology, secondary metabolite production, and virulence factors such hydrophobins, galactosaminogalactan, melanin, siderophores, biofilms. The increasing threat of triazole resistance, fueled by environmental fungicide use and climate change, is critically examined. The review also summarizes the current antifungal therapies (polyenes, triazoles, echinocandins) and investigational drugs, highlighting the urgent need for improved surveillance, stewardship and diagnostics, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, to guide targeted management and reduce the global burden of aspergillosis.

Source: Journal of Infection and Public Health

DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2025.103070

Authors: Affan Rafique, Sabrina Sharmin, Asef Raj, Ammarah Laaika Mohiuddin, Md. Iftekhar Al Mahmud, Humair Bin Md Omer

Institution: BRAC University

Language: English

Topic: Antifungal resistance and susceptibility

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,310