The Impact of Aspergillus fumigatus on Cytokine Production and Biomarker Expression in Pulmonary Infections | ||||
| Egyptian Journal of Medical Microbiology | ||||
| Article 18, Volume 35, Issue 1, January 2026 | ||||
| Document Type: New and original researches in the field of Microbiology. | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejmm.2025.387052.1665 | ||||
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| Authors | ||||
Adeeb A. Abdulhussien1; Muslim Mohammed2; Hany A. Al-Hussaniy3; Osama A. Mohsein  4
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| 1Department of Histopathology, College of Medicine, University of Dhi Qar, Iraq | ||||
| 2Department of Anesthesia Techniques, Al-Taff University College, Karbala , Iraq | ||||
| 3Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Alnisour university, baghdad , Iraq | ||||
| 4Department of Pathological Analysis, Thi-Qar Health Directorate, Al- Habbobi Teaching Hospital | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| Background: Aspergillus fumigatus is an emerging opportunistic fungal pathogen responsible for pulmonary infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the impact of A. fumigatus on cytokine release and biomarker profiles in pulmonary infections, and to elucidate the mechanisms underlying pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapy. Methodology: A case-control study was conducted at Al-Habboubi Teaching Hospital from January to October 2024, including 150 participants: 100 patients with lung inflammation and 50 healthy controls, aged 30–40 years. Blood samples were collected to measure serum levels of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10) and biomarkers (SP-D, YKL-40, MMP-9, calprotectin, galectin-3) using ELISA. Lung tissue samples underwent histological examination for inflammatory cell infiltration, fungal hyphae presence, alveolar damage, and fibrosis via H&E and Masson’s Trichrome staining. Results: There were no significant differences in age or gender between patients and controls. However, patients exhibited higher BMI (p = 0.001), higher smoking rates (p = 0.047), and increased prevalence of diabetes and hypertension (p = 0.024 and p = 0.031, respectively). Blood oxygenation decreased and respiratory rate increased significantly in patients (p = 0.001). Levels of cytokines and biomarkers—IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10, SP-D, YKL-40, MMP-9, calprotectin, and galectin-3—were significantly elevated (p < 0.001). Lung tissue analysis revealed severe inflammation, fungal hyphae, alveolar damage, and fibrosis, findings absent in control samples. Conclusions: A. fumigatus infections provoke a strong immune and inflammatory response, resulting in significant lung tissue damage. These findings underscore the importance of early diagnosis and targeted therapeutic strategies. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Aspergillus fumigatus; Pulmonary Infections; Cytokine Production; Biomarker Expression | ||||
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