Collaborative One Health approaches can mitigate increasing azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in Africa

Abstract

Aspergillus fumigatus is a species of fungus that is commonly found in the environment, household dust, soil, and decaying plant matter. The fungus produces spores which are inhaled by humans daily, although the host defence mechanisms of most people limit inflammatory responses and promote fungal clearance. Inhalation of the spores of A fumigatus triggers a wide spectrum of diseases in immunocompromised individuals, depending on the patient group affected and the pathways of pathogenesis. Forms of aspergillosis that are becoming a major public health issue include invasive aspergillosis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis.