Understanding the Impact of Fungal Infections on Lung and Gut Microbiomes

In recent research, scientists have uncovered how the inhalation of mold, specifically Aspergillus fumigatus, can disturb the delicate balance of microorganisms in our lungs and gastrointestinal system. Although this mold is common in soil, compost, and the air and is usually harmless to healthy individuals, it poses a significant threat to those with weakened immune systems, potentially causing invasive lung infections known as aspergillosis.

The study reveals that in cases of lung infection, Aspergillus fumigatus doesn't operate in isolation; it interacts with the lung microbiome and can influence the broader metabolic environment. Notably, the fungal presence may alter oxygen levels within the lungs, creating low-oxygen niches that favor the growth of certain bacteria like Ligilactobacillus murinus, which originates from the gut and oral microbiomes. This bacterial overgrowth, in turn, can affect disease progression and presents new avenues for treatment.

A key aspect of this research emphasizes the interconnectedness of the lungs and gut — the so-called 'gut-lung axis.' During infection, not only does the lung microbiome change, but also the gut microbiome and associated metabolic products in blood circulation, suggesting systemic effects and potential diagnostic markers.

Using a mouse model, researchers employed advanced genetic and metabolomic techniques to study these microbial interactions. They found that fungal infections lead to an imbalance, increasing anaerobic bacteria in the lungs and promoting certain bacteria like Ligilactobacillus murinus due to low oxygen conditions created by the fungus.

Despite these insights, challenges remain in accurately characterizing the lung microbiome because of the low bacterial DNA presence and contamination issues. Future research aims to clarify the roles of specific bacteria and explore if these microbial changes could serve as diagnostic tools or therapeutic targets.

Ultimately, these findings deepen our understanding of fungal infections' systemic nature, highlighting the importance of microbiome health in disease prevention and management. This research paves the way for microbiome-centered therapies to support immune defense against such fungal pathogens.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-fungi-mold-unbalance-lungs.html