Biofilm formation by Aspergillus fumigatus.

[allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis]

Aspergillus fumigatus is a well adapted , opportunistic fungus that causes a severe and commonly fatal disease , invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA ), in highly immunocompromised patients , aspergilloma in patients with lung cavities and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA ) in hypersensitive individuals . Recent studies have suggested that biofilm formation by A . fumigatus may be one of the most important virulence factors in IPA and aspergilloma . Several fungal constituents may contribute to the formation of biofilm structures on host cells , including cell wall components , secondary metabolites and drug transporters . The biofilm phenotype of the fungus is refractory to most conventional antifungal treatment options . Thus , an in -depth analysis and understanding of A . fumigatus biofilms is necessary to devise newer and better antifungal targets for treating complex A . fumigatus biofilm-associated diseases .