Diversity and Distribution of Aspergillus fumigatus and Its Related Species in Izu and Ogasawara Islands, Japan

A comprehensive analysis of Aspergillus section Fumigati, a group of fungi known to cause aspergillosis, reveals distinct distribution patterns across the Izu and Ogasawara Islands, Japan. The study found that Aspergillus fumigatus, a significant pathogen, was predominantly present in forest sites on islands from Izu-oshima to Hachijojima but absent entirely in the Ogasawara Islands. Conversely, other species like Aspergillus felis, A. pseudoviridinutans, and A. udagawae showed higher occurrence in bare land and grassland sites, with notable regional variations. Seasonal sampling indicated that A. pseudoviridinutans maintained a high frequency year-round in grasslands, while A. fumigatus exhibited significant seasonal variability in forest sites. These findings underscore the influence of both island location and landscape on fungal distribution, providing critical insights for understanding environmental factors shaping pathogen diversity.

Hirose, D., Watanabe, K., Hagiuda, R., Tachikawa, R., Kamijo, T., Yaguchi, T., & Hirota, M. (2022). Diversity and Distribution of Aspergillus fumigatus and Its Related Species in Izu and Ogasawara Islands, Japan. Medical Mycology Journal, 63(4), 99–107. https://doi.org/10.3314/mmj.22-00017