January–February 2026
Search term is ‘aspergillosis’.
This update highlights recent publications relevant to aspergillosis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease, antifungal stewardship, diagnostics, and environmental fungal exposure. Papers are grouped by clinical theme, with key findings and clinical relevance highlighted.
1. Diagnostics, Molecular Methods & Imaging Innovation
Clinical Characteristics, Molecular Diagnosis, and Drug Resistance Profiles of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections
Wang K, Xu D, Gao Y, Zhao W, Ma K
Clinical and Translational Science, 19(2):e70479, Feb 2026
Key highlights
-
Retrospective analysis using polymerase chain reaction melting curve technology to identify nontuberculous mycobacterial species.
-
Demonstrates rapid differentiation of clinically relevant species, with integrated resistance profiling.
-
Highlights marked heterogeneity in clinical presentation and antimicrobial resistance patterns.
Why this matters
-
Increasing relevance for patients with bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and aspergillosis, where nontuberculous mycobacteria co-infection complicates diagnosis and treatment.
-
Supports the shift away from prolonged culture-only pathways toward faster molecular diagnostics.
Amplicon-based sequencing as a diagnostic tool for severe pneumonia in the ICU
Michel C, Imamura H, Yin N, et al.
Scientific Reports, 16(1):2845, Jan 2026
Key highlights
-
Amplicon-based sequencing applied directly to respiratory samples in intensive care.
-
Detects invasive aspergillosis alongside bacterial and viral pathogens.
-
Highlights limitations of current definitions of “proven invasive aspergillosis” when relying solely on histopathology.
Why this matters
-
Reinforces the diagnostic gap in critical care–associated pulmonary aspergillosis.
-
Supports broader adoption of molecular and microbiome-informed diagnostics in high-risk settings.
Deep learning detection and classification of fungal and non-fungal calcifications on paranasal sinus CT imaging
Yang Z, Choi I, Yun H, et al.
PLOS One, 21(1):e0340832, Jan 2026
Key highlights
-
Deep learning model distinguishes fungal ball (commonly aspergillosis) from non-fungal calcifications.
-
High diagnostic accuracy on routine sinus computed tomography scans.
-
Addresses a frequent diagnostic uncertainty in chronic rhinosinusitis.
Why this matters
-
Potential to reduce diagnostic delay and unnecessary surgery.
-
Particularly relevant for centres without ready access to specialist radiology expertise.
2. Invasive Aspergillosis: Expanding Risk Profiles & Clinical Phenotypes
Unmasking Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis: Insights From a Case Series at a Tertiary Care Center
Munasinghe K, Nanayakkara A, De Zoysa W, et al.
Cureus, 17(12), Jan 2026
Key highlights
-
Case series illustrating heterogeneous clinical presentations.
-
Emphasises delayed recognition outside classic immunocompromised populations.
-
Reinforces global incidence estimates of approximately 250,000 cases annually.
Why this matters
-
Supports growing recognition that invasive pulmonary aspergillosis occurs in broader patient groups, including those with chronic lung disease and critical illness.
Disseminated Invasive Aspergillosis in a Young Patient With Chronic Alcohol Use and Seemingly Preserved Immunocompetence
Khandwala K, Sawliha Syed H, Anwar S, et al.
Clinical Case Reports, 14(2), Jan 2026
Key highlights
-
Disseminated disease involving multiple organs.
-
Chronic alcohol use identified as a functional immunosuppressive state.
-
Challenges traditional “immunocompetent vs immunocompromised” dichotomy.
Why this matters
-
Reinforces the need for high clinical suspicion even when standard immune markers appear preserved.
-
Relevant for emergency, acute medical, and respiratory teams.
Intensification of Treosulfan–Fludarabine Conditioning With Thiotepa in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Tosoni L, Facchin G, Plos R, et al.
Transplant Direct, 12(2):e1896, Jan 2026
Key highlights
-
Real-world study in older or comorbid transplant recipients.
-
Reports four cases of invasive aspergillosis (three pulmonary, one cerebral).
-
Conditioning regimen was otherwise effective and tolerable.
Why this matters
-
Reinforces persistent invasive fungal infection risk despite modern conditioning approaches.
-
Supports ongoing need for antifungal prophylaxis and surveillance.
Infective Endocarditis Caused by Pan-Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in a Lung Transplant Recipient
Ukai K, Kawashima M, Ikeuchi K
Transplant Infectious Disease, Jan 2026
Key highlights
-
Rare but severe manifestation: fungal endocarditis.
-
Pan-azole resistance significantly limited treatment options.
-
Occurred in a lung transplant recipient.
Why this matters
-
Adds to evidence of clinically catastrophic azole resistance.
-
Reinforces importance of resistance testing and antifungal stewardship.
3. Antifungal Toxicity & Stewardship
Voriconazole-associated peripheral polyneuropathy: A case report
González BJ, Ivarola P, Miranda M, et al.
Archivos Argentinos de Pediatría, 124(1), Feb 2026
Key highlights
-
Documents peripheral neuropathy linked to prolonged voriconazole exposure.
-
Emphasises reversibility only after early recognition and drug withdrawal.
Why this matters
-
Highly relevant for patients on long-term antifungal therapy for chronic pulmonary aspergillosis.
-
Supports routine neurological symptom surveillance.
Antifungal Stewardship: Time to Reappraise the Priorities toward Increasing Invasive Fungal Infections
Singh S
Annals of African Medicine, Jan 2026
Key highlights
-
Reviews stewardship challenges across aspergillosis, candidemia, and mucormycosis.
-
Highlights overuse, under-diagnosis, and limited access to diagnostics.
-
Calls for stewardship frameworks equivalent to antibacterial programmes.
Why this matters
-
Directly relevant to azole resistance, drug toxicity, and resource-limited settings.
-
Aligns with national and international fungal disease priorities.
4. Allergy, Mycotoxins & Inflammatory Pathways
Common inflammatory markers predict risk of ABPA development in children with cystic fibrosis
Crabtree HED, Malajczuk CJ, Ho HY, et al.
Journal of Cystic Fibrosis, Jan 2026
Key highlights
-
Identifies routinely measured inflammatory markers predictive of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.
-
Potential for earlier identification and intervention.
Why this matters
-
May support risk stratification in paediatric cystic fibrosis clinics.
-
Relevant for future screening and monitoring protocols.
Potential mechanisms and effects of AFB1-induced asthma
Yu Z, Gao M, Wu X, et al.
PLOS One, 21(1):e0341172, Jan 2026
Key highlights
-
Network toxicology and molecular docking suggest links between aflatoxin B1 exposure and:
-
Asthma
-
Allergic bronchial pulmonary aspergillosis
-
Lung malignancy in severe cases
-
Why this matters
-
Strengthens environmental and occupational health links to fungal allergy and chronic lung disease.
-
Supports broader discussion of mould exposure beyond infection alone.
Mycotoxins – Determination of aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, gliotoxin, and others in urine by LC–MS/MS
Berger M, Deharde M, Neuhoff J, et al.
MAK Collection for Occupational Health and Safety, 10(2), Jan 2026
Key highlights
-
Validated biomonitoring method for gliotoxin, aflatoxins, and ochratoxins.
-
Discusses potential use of urine biomarkers for early detection of invasive aspergillosis.
Why this matters
-
Provides methodological groundwork for future biomarker-driven diagnostics.
-
Particularly relevant for occupational and environmental exposure assessment.
Money and Microbes: A Global Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Currency Contamination
Appiah PO, Odoom A, Tetteh-Quarcoo PB, Donkor ES
Environmental Health Insights, Jan 2026
Key highlights
-
Identifies paper currency as a reservoir for microbial and fungal contamination.
-
Notes links to serious infections, including pulmonary aspergillosis.
Why this matters
-
Highlights overlooked environmental reservoirs of fungal exposure.
-
Relevant for public health messaging and infection control.
Latest News posts
News archive