Journal of Fungi

20 pages, 14020 KB

Open AccessArticle

Gapless near Telomer-to-Telomer Assembly of Neurospora intermedia, Aspergillus oryzae, and Trichoderma asperellum from Nanopore Simplex Reads

by Mikael Terp, Mark Nyitrai, Christian Enrico Rusbjerg-Weberskov, Teis E. Sondergaard and Mette Lübeck

J. Fungi 2025, 11(10), 701; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11100701 (registering DOI) - 27 Sep 2025

Abstract

Assembling high-quality fungal genomes, specifically telomere-to-telomere (T2T) gapless assemblies, often necessitates the integration of multiple sequencing platforms. This requirement poses a limitation on the number of fungal genomes that can feasibly be generated within a single project. Here, we demonstrate that haplotype-aware error [...] Read more.

Assembling high-quality fungal genomes, specifically telomere-to-telomere (T2T) gapless assemblies, often necessitates the integration of multiple sequencing platforms. This requirement poses a limitation on the number of fungal genomes that can feasibly be generated within a single project. Here, we demonstrate that haplotype-aware error correction (HERRO) of Oxford Nanopore simplex reads enables the generation of high-quality assemblies from a single sequencing platform. We present an automated Snakemake workflow that, without manual intervention, produced gapless genome assemblies for industrially relevant strains: Neurospora intermedia NRRL 2884, Trichoderma asperellum TA1, and Aspergillus oryzae CBS 466.91, each achieving complete BUSCO (Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs) scores exceeding 98%. Among these, only the T. asperellum assembly yielded a fully telomere-to-telomere gapless genome, while the N. intermedia and A. oryzae assemblies were gapless but near-telomere-to-telomere. Manual curation was required for the mitochondrial genome assembly of N. intermedia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Genomics, Genetics and Molecular Biology)

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15 pages, 4989 KB

Open AccessArticle

Production of Mycelium Mats for Textile Applications

by Reyes K. Romero-Cedillo, Efrén R. Robledo-Leal, Liliana Aguilar-Marcelino, Ma. de Lourdes Acosta-Urdapilleta and Maura Téllez-Téllez

J. Fungi 2025, 11(10), 700; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11100700 - 26 Sep 2025

Abstract

A mycelium is a network of hyphae that possesses the ability to self-assemble and grow into various shapes, acting as a natural binder that minimises the need for intensive chemical and energy processes, making it an alternative capable of forming structures that may [...] Read more.

A mycelium is a network of hyphae that possesses the ability to self-assemble and grow into various shapes, acting as a natural binder that minimises the need for intensive chemical and energy processes, making it an alternative capable of forming structures that may eventually outperform traditional fibres such as animal leather and polyester. In this work, two mycelium mats were created, and their thickness, water absorption, coverage, and tear strength for the sewing process were determined. Fibre mats were grown in vitro or on a jute substrate. The mats were treated with salt, tannin or citric acid solutions, then air- or oven-dried. In general, the treatment that least modified the colour and appearance of the mycelium mats was citric acid, and when dried by airflow, the thickness averaged 1.4 mm. The highest tear strengths were 10.55 N/mm and 12.7 N/mm for the mycelium mats treated with citric acid without and with jute, respectively. A high percentage of water absorption was observed, reaching 267% (mycelium mats treated with tannins and dried at 65 °C) and 28% (mycelium mats treated with citric acid and air-dried). In general, all mycelium mats can be sewn, except for those treated with citric acid, which have a viscous texture and require slow sewing to prevent the mycelium from breaking. The Trametes fungus can be utilised in the production of mycelial materials, allowing for the optimisation of growth conditions to obtain mycelial mats that meet the requirements for use as an environmentally friendly alternative in the textile and related industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycological Research in Mexico)

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15 pages, 266 KB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical Features and Outcomes of Invasive Fusarium Infections from a Singaporean Centre: Is It Time to Redefine How We Assess Treatment Outcomes?

by Yvonne Fu Zi Chan, Benjamin Pei Zhi Cherng, Cherie Le Si Gan, Siew Yee Thien, Sophie Seine Xuan Tan, Hei Man Wong, Yen Ee Tan, Ai Ling Tan and Shimin Jasmine Chung

J. Fungi 2025, 11(10), 699; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11100699 - 26 Sep 2025

Abstract

Invasive Fusarium infections pose a significant threat to immunocompromised patients and are characterised by high mortality rates. In this study, we examined 22 unique episodes of proven and probable Fusarium infections over a 14-year period at a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Cases were [...] Read more.

Invasive Fusarium infections pose a significant threat to immunocompromised patients and are characterised by high mortality rates. In this study, we examined 22 unique episodes of proven and probable Fusarium infections over a 14-year period at a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Cases were analysed from clinical, microbiological, and radiological perspectives. The most common risk factor for invasive Fusarium infections was hematologic malignancy. Fifty percent of patients achieved resolution of infection and were alive at the end of treatment. Conversely, the overall mortality was 50%, with 90% of deaths occurring within three months of the diagnosis of invasive fusariosis; associated risk factors include neutropenia, disseminated infection, and corticosteroid use. Although these deaths would be classified as treatment failures by established criteria; many (8/10; 80%) were due to causes not directly related to invasive fusariosis; such as progression of the underlying malignancy or another infection. We believe that it may be time to redefine how we assess treatment outcomes for invasive mould infections. Nevertheless; invasive fusariosis remains a formidable foe in the immunocompromised host. Early; aggressive treatment with appropriate adjunctive therapies; such as surgery; is crucial for controlling the infection and achieving the best outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Pathogenesis and Disease Control)

17 pages, 2361 KB

Open AccessBrief Report

Co-Treatment with Ritonavir or Sertraline Enhances Itraconazole Efficacy Against Azole-Resistant Trichophyton indotineae Isolates

by Anna Günther, Anke Burmester, Mario Fabri, Jörg Tittelbach and Cornelia Wiegand

J. Fungi 2025, 11(10), 698; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11100698 - 25 Sep 2025

Abstract

The treatment of azole-resistant Trichophyton indotineae poses a significant challenge for clinicians worldwide. Resistance mechanisms include amino acid substitutions in the sterol 14-α demethylase gene Erg11B, as well as overexpression of Erg11B. Additionally, efflux mechanisms mediated by fungal transporter proteins contribute [...] Read more.

The treatment of azole-resistant Trichophyton indotineae poses a significant challenge for clinicians worldwide. Resistance mechanisms include amino acid substitutions in the sterol 14-α demethylase gene Erg11B, as well as overexpression of Erg11B. Additionally, efflux mechanisms mediated by fungal transporter proteins contribute to antifungal resistance. Therefore, the inhibition of fungal efflux transporters using known inhibitors could be a promising strategy to prevent treatment failure. The inhibitory effects of itraconazole in combination with various efflux pump inhibitors were evaluated. Co-treatment with quinine hydrochloride and itraconazole did not lead to a significant reduction in the inhibitory concentration (IC) values in T. indotineae isolates. In contrast, ritonavir lowered IC values by approximately 50% without affecting fungal growth when applied as monotherapy. The most pronounced effect was observed with sertraline, which demonstrated intrinsic antifungal activity at higher concentrations. When combined with itraconazole, sertraline reduced IC values to below 10% in both susceptible and resistant strains, enhancing itraconazole efficacy markedly. The increasing prevalence of antifungal resistance is a growing global health concern. These findings suggest that sertraline holds considerable potential as an adjunctive therapy for the treatment of dermatomycoses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Human and Zoonotic Dermatophytoses)

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8 pages, 218 KB

Open AccessCase Report

The Diagnostic Challenge of a False-Positive Cryptococcal Antigen in Chronic Meningitis with Suspected Indolent CNS B-Cell Lymphoproliferative Neoplasm

by MohammadReza Rahimi Shahmirzadi, Melissa Fowler, Lise Bondy, Seth Climans, Jonathan Lau, Eric To, Yiannis Iordanous, Marilyn Phung, Fatimah AlMutawa, Jeff Fuller and Michael Silverman

J. Fungi 2025, 11(10), 697; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11100697 - 25 Sep 2025

Abstract

A 47-year-old woman presented with a two-year history of progressive visual symptoms and headaches. Lumbar puncture revealed lymphocytic pleocytosis, elevated protein, low glucose, and a CSF CrAg titer of 1:256. She was treated empirically for cryptococcal meningitis with amphotericin B, flucytosine, and fluconazole [...] Read more.

A 47-year-old woman presented with a two-year history of progressive visual symptoms and headaches. Lumbar puncture revealed lymphocytic pleocytosis, elevated protein, low glucose, and a CSF CrAg titer of 1:256. She was treated empirically for cryptococcal meningitis with amphotericin B, flucytosine, and fluconazole for 15 months. Her symptoms persisted, and repeated CSF and serum CrAg, fungal cultures, and an extensive infectious workup were negative. CSF flow cytometry eventually demonstrated a monoclonal B-cell population suggestive of a lymphoproliferative process. Imaging, including MRI and PET scans, did not reveal systemic disease. A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt was placed for symptom management. This case emphasizes the limitations of CrAg testing and the potential for false positives. It underscores the need for integrating clinical, laboratory, and imaging data when evaluating chronic meningitis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Pathogenesis and Disease Control)

19 pages, 4819 KB

Open AccessArticle

Insights into the Mycosphere Fungal Community and Its Association with Nucleoside Accumulation in Ophiocordyceps sinensis

by Jianshuang Zhang, Wen Zhang, Xiaodan Wu, Weidi Fu, Chaoyun Yang and Nana Long

J. Fungi 2025, 11(10), 696; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11100696 - 25 Sep 2025

Abstract

Soil microbiomes are critical environmental factors influencing the occurrence and quality formation of Ophiocordyceps sinensis, a valuable medicinal fungus endemic to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. However, few studies have explored the relationship between mycosphere soil fungal communities and the quality characteristics of O. [...] Read more.

Soil microbiomes are critical environmental factors influencing the occurrence and quality formation of Ophiocordyceps sinensis, a valuable medicinal fungus endemic to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. However, few studies have explored the relationship between mycosphere soil fungal communities and the quality characteristics of O. sinensis. This research aimed to systematically analyze the structural characteristics and diversity of fungal communities in mycosphere soils of O. sinensis from eight geographical regions using Illumina high-throughput sequencing, and compare the nucleoside contents in O. sinensis from the corresponding sites. Alpha diversity indices showed that soil samples from Yushu and Guoluo in Qinghai Province exhibited higher fungal richness and diversity compared to other regions, whereas samples from Qamdo in Tibet showed the lowest diversity. Beta diversity analysis indicated significant differences in fungal community structure across various regions (R = 0.861, p = 0.001). At the phylum level, Ascomycota overwhelmingly dominated throughout all mycosphere soils of O. sinensis (96.30–99.88%), followed by Mortierellomycetes (0.25–2.25%). Network analysis revealed that Ophiocordyceps emerged as the core taxon in the mycosphere fungal communities, suggesting its central role in shaping the structure of the fungal networks. Additionally, O. sinensis from Yushu contained the highest total nucleoside content, indicating that the accumulation of nucleosides in O. sinensis may be affected by the composition of mycosphere soil fungi. Furthermore, correlation analysis indicated a significant positive relationship between several mycosphere fungal abundances and nucleoside accumulation in O. sinensis, such as Naganishia, Acicuseptoria, Nectria, Serendipita, and Humicola. These findings would provide a theoretical foundation for improving artificial cultivation strategies of O. sinensis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Evolution, Biodiversity and Systematics)

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15 pages, 5156 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Aspergillus fumigatus Extracellular Polysaccharide Galactosaminogalactan Displays Context-Dependent Cooperative and Competitive Social Traits in Mixed Biofilms

by Longyun Cong, Yufei Zhang, Hua Chen, Ruiyang Lu and Shizhu Zhang

J. Fungi 2025, 11(10), 695; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11100695 - 25 Sep 2025

Abstract

Biofilm-dwelling cells construct communities by secreting extracellular polysaccharide (EPS). In bacteria, EPS can act as cooperative public goods or competitive traits, yet the social nature of EPS in fungi remains poorly understood. Galactosaminogalactan (GAG) is an EPS produced by the human-pathogenic fungus Aspergillus [...] Read more.

Biofilm-dwelling cells construct communities by secreting extracellular polysaccharide (EPS). In bacteria, EPS can act as cooperative public goods or competitive traits, yet the social nature of EPS in fungi remains poorly understood. Galactosaminogalactan (GAG) is an EPS produced by the human-pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. The study of social characteristics of GAG revealed that under basal conditions, GAG can be shared between GAG production strain (GAG⁺) and non-production strain (GAG⁻) in mixed biofilms. This led to significant competitive advantages for GAG⁻, with fitness outcomes dependent on initial inoculum ratios, cultivation duration, and nutrient availability. Conversely, under cell wall stress induced by antifungal drug caspofungin, GAG confers a competitive advantage for GAG⁺ in the mixed biofilms. Further investigation revealed that GAG⁺ cells are able to retain higher levels of GAG on the hyphal surface compared to GAG⁻ in the mixed biofilms. This hyphal surface-associated GAG layer might protect GAG⁺ from caspofungin-mediated damage, creating a lineage-specific competitive advantage. Overall, GAG has a dual-trait social nature in biofilms, functioning as a public good at the population level and as a competitive trait for the producing lineage, switching according to environmental conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Cell Biology, Metabolism and Physiology)

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16 pages, 2964 KB

Open AccessArticle

Postharvest Disease Management of ‘Akizuki’ Pear in China: Identification of Fungal Pathogens and Control Efficacy of Chlorine Dioxide

by Haichao Jiang, Lixin Zhang, Yang Zhang, Yudou Cheng, Cunkun Chen, Yongxia Wang and Junfeng Guan

J. Fungi 2025, 11(10), 694; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11100694 - 25 Sep 2025

Abstract

The ‘Akizuki’ pear has become increasingly popular in China in recent years. However, the ‘Akizuki’ pear often suffers from severe rot diseases during the postharvest storage period. Those during storage have not been thoroughly elucidated In this study, fungal pathogens causing postharvest decay [...] Read more.

The ‘Akizuki’ pear has become increasingly popular in China in recent years. However, the ‘Akizuki’ pear often suffers from severe rot diseases during the postharvest storage period. Those during storage have not been thoroughly elucidated In this study, fungal pathogens causing postharvest decay of ‘Akizuki’ pear were identified through multi-gene phylogenetic analysis, followed by assessment of the antifungal efficacy of chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) at varying concentrations. A total of 18 strains were isolated and identified as pathogens by Koch postulates. The isolated pathogens were taxonomically identified by combining morphological characterization of hyphae/spores with multi-gene phylogeny (ITS, β-tub, tef1). The results revealed that isolates A1-A11 were identified as Alternaria alternata, D1-D3 as Diaporthe eres, P1 as Penicillium citrinum, and P2-P4 as Penicillium expansum. The strain with the strongest pathogenicity in each genus was selected as the representative strain for subsequent control experiments. ClO₂ significantly inhibited the development of the D. eres, A. alternata, and P. expansum by suppressing mycelial growth and disrupting cell membrane structure of pathogens, in which the EC50 values were 35.56 mg/L, 24.71 mg/L, and 41.98 mg/L, respectively, showing comparable antifungal activity to conventional fungicides. This has clarified the occurrence and control of postharvest decay diseases of ‘Akizuki’ pear fruit and provided more options for the practical applications in postharvest disease control of pear fruits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control of Postharvest Fungal Diseases, 2nd Edition)

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5 pages, 198 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Advances in Fungal Infection Research: From Novel Diagnostics to Innovative Therapeutics

by Célia Fortuna Rodrigues and Lucia Černáková

J. Fungi 2025, 11(10), 693; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11100693 - 25 Sep 2025

Abstract

Invasive and superficial fungal infections continue to impose a significant global health burden, with rising morbidity and mortality rates particularly affecting immunocompromised populations [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Infections: New Challenges and Opportunities, 3rd Edition)

13 pages, 881 KB

Open AccessArticle

Nine-Year Surveillance of Candida parapsilosis Candidemia in a Cardiothoracic ICU: Insights into Mortality and Resistance

by Caio Trevelin Sambo, Bianca Leal de Almeida, Gabriel Fialkovitz, Tiago Alexandre Cocio, Afonso Rafael da Silva Junior, Lumena Pereira Machado Siqueira, Isabela Cristina Oliveira Silva, Flavia Rossi, Thaís Guimarães, Rinaldo Focaccia Siciliano, Evangelina da Motta Pacheco de Araújo, Gilda Maria Barbaro Del Negro, Gil Benard, Tania Mara Varejão Strabelli and Marcello Mihailenko Chaves Magri

J. Fungi 2025, 11(10), 692; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11100692 - 23 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Candida parapsilosis has emerged as a prominent cause of nosocomial candidemia, particularly among critically ill patients. The increasing prevalence of fluconazole-resistant C. parapsilosis (FR-Cp) poses major therapeutic challenges, especially in resource-limited settings. We conducted a retrospective study of 144 patients with C. parapsilosis [...] Read more.

Candida parapsilosis has emerged as a prominent cause of nosocomial candidemia, particularly among critically ill patients. The increasing prevalence of fluconazole-resistant C. parapsilosis (FR-Cp) poses major therapeutic challenges, especially in resource-limited settings. We conducted a retrospective study of 144 patients with C. parapsilosis candidemia admitted to two post-surgical ICUs at a Brazilian tertiary cardiothoracic hospital between 2016 and August 2024. Demographic, clinical, microbiological, and therapeutic data were analyzed. Predictors of 30-day mortality were identified through multivariate logistic regression. The incidence density of C. parapsilosis candidemia ranged from 2.93 to 8.31 per 1000 hospitalizations. Fluconazole resistance was identified in 81% of isolates. Overall 30-day mortality was 55%. Independent risk factors for mortality included cardiopathy (OR: 19.36, p = 0.006), higher SOFA scores (OR: 1.54, p = 0.003), parenteral nutrition (OR: 29.77, p = 0.013), and dialysis (OR: 6.59, p = 0.043), while longer treatment duration was protective (OR: 0.81, p < 0.001). Fluconazole resistance was not independently associated with increased mortality. In this cohort of critically ill patients, C. parapsilosis candidemia was associated with high mortality and a high prevalence of fluconazole resistance. Clinical outcomes were mainly driven by host-related and therapeutic factors rather than antifungal resistance alone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Infections in Intensive Care Medicine)

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20 pages, 2012 KB

Open AccessArticle

Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus Metabolites for Fungal Biocontrol and Application in Soybean Seed Protection

by Nathalie Otoya-Martinez, Mustapha Touray, Harun Cimen, Edna Bode, Helge B. Bode, Selcuk Hazir, Julie Giovanna Chacon-Orozco, César Júnior Bueno and Luís Gárrigos Leite

J. Fungi 2025, 11(10), 691; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11100691 - 23 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus bacteria, members of the Morganellaceae family, are sources of novel natural products for the biocontrol of fungal pathogens in soybean production. This study demonstrated the inhibitory effects of metabolites from four Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus strains (including a local isolate, X. [...] Read more.

Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus bacteria, members of the Morganellaceae family, are sources of novel natural products for the biocontrol of fungal pathogens in soybean production. This study demonstrated the inhibitory effects of metabolites from four Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus strains (including a local isolate, X. szentirmaii PAM 25), against four key phytopathogenic fungi. Bacterial metabolite efficacy and fungal susceptibility varied. Xenorhabdus szentirmaii DSM 16338, X. szentirmaii PAM 25, and X. doucetiae demonstrated significant inhibition (>90%) against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Botrytis cinerea, and Macrophomina phaseolina, exhibiting superior efficacy compared to X. nematophila and Photorhabdus kayaii. Fusarium oxysporum demonstrated greater resistance to the bacterial supernatants. We identified fabclavine, pyrollizixenamide, and szentirazine from X. szentirmaii, and xenocoumacins from X. doucetiae as the antifungal bioactive compounds in the respective easyPACid mutants. Furthermore, we assessed the efficacy of X. szentirmaii PAM 25 and its metabolites in protecting soybean seeds from S. sclerotiorum and investigated the shelf stability of the bacterial metabolites as the fungus suppressors. Cell-free supernatant maintained >80% inhibition of S. sclerotiorum after one year at 5–35 °C. Importantly, the cell-free supernatant, as well as the bacterial culture, effectively inhibited S. sclerotiorum in seed treatments, ensuring ≥80% seed germination, comparable to thiophanate-methyl + fluazinam fungicide. This study demonstrates that the direct seed application of Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus bacteria offers a practical and innovative biological control method against soil-borne fungal pathogens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Fungal Plant Pathogens)

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16 pages, 6899 KB

Open AccessArticle

Variation in Growth, Morphology, and Fungicide Sensitivity Among Monilinia Species from South Tyrol’s Alpine Orchards

by Melanie M. Pagano, Sabine Oettl, Evi Deltedesco, Youry Pii and Urban Spitaler

J. Fungi 2025, 11(10), 690; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11100690 - 23 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Brown rot, caused by Monilinia species, is a major disease affecting stone and pome fruits. The most relevant species are M. fructigena, M. laxa, M. polystroma, and M. fructicola. These four species exhibit morphological differences, but comparative data on [...] Read more.

Brown rot, caused by Monilinia species, is a major disease affecting stone and pome fruits. The most relevant species are M. fructigena, M. laxa, M. polystroma, and M. fructicola. These four species exhibit morphological differences, but comparative data on these traits remain limited. In European integrated fruit production, pre-harvest control of brown rot mainly relies on the fungicides cyprodinil, boscalid, and tebuconazole. Given the coexistence of multiple Monilinia species, understanding differences in fungicide sensitivity is crucial for optimizing control strategies. In this study, mycelial growth, colony and conidial morphology, and sporulation capacity on potato dextrose agar (PDA), tomato sauce agar (TSA), and apple fruit were investigated. Fungicide sensitivity was assessed by measuring mycelial growth on apples following treatment with the three active ingredients. Tebuconazole was the most effective fungicide, particularly against M. laxa and M. polystroma, while cyprodinil and boscalid were less effective. These results highlight the need for species-specific fungicide strategies, Monilinia populations, and the effectiveness of disease control under various environmental conditions. All Monilinia species sporulated successfully on TSA, underscoring its suitability for sporulation studies. Conidial size varied significantly among species; nevertheless, overlapping sizes prevent reliable species or strain discrimination based on this trait alone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Pathogenesis and Disease Control)

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13 pages, 1220 KB

Open AccessArticle

Progression of Structural Lung Disease in Different Aspergillus fumigatus Disease Phenotypes in Children with CF

by Federico Mollica, Eleni-Rosalina Andrinopoulou, Beyza Y. Ikiz, Punitkumar Makani, Harm A. W. M. Tiddens and Daan Caudri

J. Fungi 2025, 11(10), 689; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11100689 - 23 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Aspergillus fumigatus (Asp) is frequently cultured from airways of children with Cystic Fibrosis (CwCF), but the impact on structural lung disease (SLD) remains unknown. In this retrospective study of 125 CwCF with a positive Asp airway culture (Asp+) at Sophia Children’s Hospital [...] Read more.

Aspergillus fumigatus (Asp) is frequently cultured from airways of children with Cystic Fibrosis (CwCF), but the impact on structural lung disease (SLD) remains unknown. In this retrospective study of 125 CwCF with a positive Asp airway culture (Asp+) at Sophia Children’s Hospital between 1988 and 2021, four Asp disease phenotypes were defined based on serum Asp-specific IgE (IgE_Asp) and IgG (IgG_Asp): colonisation, sensitisation, bronchitis, and allergic bronchitis. SLD was assessed on biennial chest CTs (n = 382) using the PRAGMA-CF score. Annual progression of SLD was modelled for the Asp disease phenotypes, adjusting for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA). Annual SLD progression was high in all phenotypes but was higher in Asp sensitisation and bronchitis compared to colonisation. The proportion of air trapping was high in the full study population (mean 57%), but no differences were found in annual progression between the different Asp disease phenotypes. CwCF with Asp allergic bronchitis had a 10-fold higher risk to develop ABPA during the study follow-up than those with Asp colonisation. The four Asp disease phenotypes, colonisation, sensitisation, bronchitis, and allergic bronchitis, that were defined based on IgE_Asp and IgG_Asp show different rates of progression of SLD and different risks of ABPA development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Invasive Fungal Infections: Recent Advances in Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment)

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J. Fungi, Volume 11, Issue 10 (October 2025) – 13 articles

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