Aspergilli series Versicolores: importance of species identification in the clinical setting

Crit Rev Microbiol. 2023 Aug;49(4):485-498. doi: 10.1080/1040841X.2022.2082267. Epub 2022 Jun 26.

Abstract

The moulds of the genus Aspergillus section Nidulantes series Versicolores are ubiquitous and particularly recurrent in indoor air. They are considered present in 70% of the bioaerosols to which we are exposed most of our time spent indoors. With the taxonomic revision proposed in 2012 and the discovery of four new species, the series Versicolores currently includes 18 species. These moulds, although considered as cryptic (except Aspergillus sydowii), are opportunistic pathogens that can exhibit increased minimal inhibitory concentrations to conventional antifungal agents. In this review, we discuss the ecology and clinical implications of each species belonging to the series Versicolores. This survey also highlights the lack of consideration for taxonomic revisions in clinical practice and in scientific studies which greatly limits the acquisition of specific knowledge on species belonging to the series Versicolores.

Keywords: Aspergillus; series Versicolores.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology
  • Aspergillus* / genetics
  • Fungi* / genetics
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents