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Penicillium and Talaromyces diversity in cystic fibrosis patient sample and the description of a new species, Penicillium subluteum sp. nov.

Summary

Researchers studied fungal infections in Dutch cystic fibrosis patients and discovered a surprising variety of Penicillium and Talaromyces species living in their lungs. They identified 75 different fungal species total, including a previously unknown species named Penicillium subluteum. The study emphasizes that these fungi should no longer be dismissed as harmless contaminants, as they may play important roles in lung disease and need to be accurately identified for proper patient management.

Background

Penicillium and Talaromyces species are frequently isolated from respiratory tracts of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, yet their diversity and clinical significance remain poorly understood. These fungi have historically been considered environmental contaminants or benign colonizers, but growing evidence suggests potential roles in airway inflammation and disease progression.

Objective

To analyze fungal isolates from Dutch CF patients to investigate the species diversity and prevalence of Penicillium and Talaromyces. To identify a putatively new Penicillium species and provide comprehensive overview of fungal diversity in CF airways.

Results

Identified 57 Penicillium and 18 Talaromyces species, including a novel species Penicillium subluteum sp. nov. Most common Penicillium species were P. crustosum, P. frequentans, P. chrysogenum, P. rubens, and P. brevicompactum. T. rugulosus was the most prevalent Talaromyces species, with 17 patients showing repeat isolation of the same fungal species.

Conclusion

Study reveals underestimated diversity of Penicillium and Talaromyces in CF patients, highlighting importance of accurate species identification for understanding fungal colonization patterns and assessing pathogenic potential. The described P. subluteum provides crucial taxonomic reference for future identifications and advances understanding of fungal biodiversity in CF airways.
  • Published in:MycoKeys,
  • Study Type:Laboratory-based Taxonomic Study,
  • Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.125.168897; PMID: 41324062
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