Aspergillus fumigatus is a saprotrophic fungus; its primary habitat is the soil. In its ecological
niche, the fungus has learned how to adapt and proliferate in hostile environments. This …

Fungi of the genus Aspergillus are widespread in the environment. Some Aspergillus
species, most commonly Aspergillus fumigatus, may lead to a variety of allergic reactions …

Fungal infections are an increasing threat to global public health. There are more than six
million fungal species worldwide, but less than 1% are known to infect humans. Most of …

Destruction of the pulmonary epithelium is a major feature of lung diseases caused by the
mould pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Although it is widely postulated that tissue invasion …

Aspergillus moulds exist ubiquitously as spores that are inhaled in large numbers daily.
Whilst most are removed by anatomical barriers, disease may occur in certain …

Asexual spores (conidia) are reproductive structures that play a crucial role in fungal
distribution and survival. As fungal conidia are, in most cases, etiological agents of plant …

The ubiquitous opportunistic fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus rarely causes infections
in immunocompetent individuals. A healthy functional innate immune system plays a crucial …

Respiratory epithelia fulfil multiple roles beyond that of gaseous exchange, also acting as
primary custodians of lung sterility and inflammatory homeostasis. Inhaled fungal spores …

Aspergillus fumigatus is the most important mould pathogen in immunosuppressed patients.
Suboptimal clearance of inhaled spores results in the colonisation of the lung airways by …

Individuals with structural lung disease or defective immunity are predisposed to Aspergillus-
associated disease. Manifestations range from allergic to cavitary or angio-invasive …