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Review
. 2024 Apr 28;12(5):886.
doi: 10.3390/microorganisms12050886.

What do We Know about Cryptic Aspergillosis?

Nicholas Geremia  1   2 , Federico Giovagnorio  3 , Agnese Colpani  4 , Andrea De Vito  4   5 , Giorgia Caruana  6   7 , Maria Chiara Meloni  4 , Giordano Madeddu  4 , Sandro Panese  1   2 , Saverio Giuseppe Parisi  3
Affiliations
Review

What do We Know about Cryptic Aspergillosis?

Nicholas Geremia et al. Microorganisms. .

Abstract

Cryptic Aspergillus species are increasingly recognized as pathogens involved in human disease. They are ubiquitarian fungi with high tenacity in their environment and can express various resistance mechanisms, often due to exposure to antifungal agents employed in agriculture and farming. The identification of such species is increasing thanks to molecular techniques, and a better description of this type of pathogen is granted. Nevertheless, the number of species and their importance in the clinical setting still need to be well studied. Furthermore, their cross-sectional involvement in animal disease, plants, and human activities requires a multidisciplinary approach involving experts from various fields. This comprehensive review aims to provide a sharp vision of the cryptic Aspergillus species, from the importance of correct identification to the better management of the infections caused by these pathogens. The review also accentuates the importance of the One Health approach for this kind of microorganism, given the interconnection between environmental exposure and aspergillosis, embracing transversely the multidisciplinary process for managing the cryptic Aspergillus species. The paper advocates the need for improving knowledge in this little-known species, given the burden of economic and health implications related to the diffusion of these bugs.

Keywords: Aspergillus; antifungal resistances; antifungal treatments; cryptic aspergillosis; one health.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Classification according to subgenus and section of Aspergillus genus.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Transmission of azole-resistant aspergillosis using triazole in agriculture.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Clinical and environmental azole-resistant route of transmission.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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