Antifungal activity of human polymorphonuclear and mononuclear phagocytes against non‐fumigatus Aspergillus species

Summary Human phagocytic defenses against non‐ fumigatus aspergilli were compared with those against Aspergillus fumigatus . Monocyte‐derived macrophages exhibited lower phagocytic capacities against non‐ fumigatus aspergilli, particularly A. nidulans and A. niger , compared with A fumigatus ( P < 0.05). Non‐opsonized hyphae suppressed oxidative burst (as measured by superoxide anion production) of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). Further, these cells responded with less vigorous oxidative burst to serum‐opsonized hyphae of non‐ fumigatus Aspergillus species, particularly A. flavus and A. terreus , compared with A. fumigatus ( P ≤ 0.05). Similarly, PMNs induced less hyphal damage assessed by XTT colorimetric assay to non‐ fumigatus species, particularly A. flavus and A. nidulans , compared with A. fumigatus ( P < 0.05). Thus, non‐ fumigatus aspergilli are generally more resistant to mononuclear and polymorphonuclear phagocytes than A. fumigatus , a finding which should be considered during management of invasive aspergillosis caused by these species.