Uncovering the Hidden Emerging Pathogen Behind Aspergillosis Cases in Japan
2025.07.17
Research
Aspergillus, a common mold-forming fungus, can cause severe respiratory disease in patients with reduced immunity. Through screening 23 A. spinulosporus strains, researchers have identified, for the first time, seven clinical A. latus strains in patient samples. Their discovery of A. latus strains in samples obtained between 2012 and 2023 revealed a high misidentification rate of 30.4%. Continued surveillance and improved diagnostic tools can aid in the clinical management of Aspergillus infections.
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Through extensive phylogenetic analyses based on utilizing cloned copies of the calmodulin gene, researchers have mapped the evolutionary genetic relationships between Aspergillus spinulosporus and A. sublatus strains, giving rise to the allodiploid hybrid A. latus strain.