Characterization and pathogenic profile of Aspergillus Fumigatus isolated from landfills | ||
| Microbes and Infectious Diseases | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 08 October 2025 | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/mid.2025.391195.2851 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Ikechukwu Harmony Iheukwumere* 1; Anthony Kenechukwu Nwankwo2; Chidiogo Marigold Iheukwumere3; Nkemakolam A Okorie4; Nnamdi Enoch Nwakoby1; Anthony Obinna Ekesiobi5; Onyinye Chigozie Okolo1 | ||
| 1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Anambra State, Nigeria | ||
| 2Department of Works, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Nigeria | ||
| 3Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka (UNIZIK), Nigeria | ||
| 4Department of Pharmacology& Toxicology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka | ||
| 5Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Anambra State, Nigeria. | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background: Aspergillus fumigatus (AF) is a widely distributed opportunistic fungus responsible for invasive aspergillosis, a severe infection that can be life-threatening. While earlier Nigerian studies explored AF identification and molecular analysis, limited research exists on the pathogenic characteristics of new strains, particularly within Anambra State. This study was conducted to bridge this knowledge gap by characterizing AF obtained from hospital dumping grounds and evaluating their pathogenic properties, thereby offering useful information on the epidemiology and virulence of this fungus in the region. Method: Soil samples were collected from hospital dumping areas and subjected to the spread plate technique for fungal isolation. Isolates were characterized based on macroscopic, microscopic, and molecular features, while their pathogenic profiles were examined through an in vivo experimental model. Result: The fungal isolates identified were AF strains DT0402 (AFDT0), S10 (AFS10), and VIBENF3 (AFVIB). Infected rats with these strains demonstrated clear clinical as well as pathological signs, including cough, weakness, dramatic (p ≤ 0.05) decreases in body as well as organ weights, as well as deformity in visceral organs. However, no comparable changes were observed among the control group. Interestingly, AFVIB generated significant (p ≤ 0.05) pathological effect on the lungs, while AFS10 affected renal organs severely (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: The research provides evidence suggestive that AF strains in hospital dumping grounds possess diverse pathological potentials, in which AFS10 exerts the maximum pathological effect. These results indicate potential health risks as well as the necessity for more extensive studies. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Pathologenic; landfills; Deformation; Strains | ||
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