In this issue
Advances Against Aspergillosis (AAA)
Useful links
Networking
Forgot password?
Get a reminder here
Our Sponsors
Patients Section
Show Support
Show your support for the Fungal Research Trust - join our Facebook Causes group.
Sponsorship needed
.......
Himalayan Endurance - 100 miles
Please support this fundraisisng event.
Greetings Cards
Leave a donation
Appeals
Sponsored links
We are always looking to increase sponsorship of the website. If you are interested in purchasing a sponsored link on the website (and a link on this mailing every month) Contact us
Demographics
The Aspergillus Website has 40000 registered members (7% Vets, 32% Medical, 23% Science) and provides up to 20 million page requests per year.
35% (8540) of professional members have purchasing authority.
52000 unique users (IP addresses) visit this website every month and the trend is consistantly upwards (see graph for IP addresses (vertical axis) accessing website versus time(horizontal axis)).
78000 visits every month
This Newsletter is sent out to 22000 members every month.
5500 external website links point to the Aspergillus Website.
Our Blog currently receives 8 000 requests a month
Website & Newsletter advertising
Prices for ads per page impression are outlined here. FROM £15 per month
Mobile Access
|
A yeast vaccine provides protection against systemic aspergillosis
Invasive fungal diseases often take hold when a person’s natural defences are weakened. These infections frequently occur in hospital settings, The high mortality of patients who get an aspergillus infection and difficulties of treating patients with often toxic, antifungal drugs - warrants the development of a protective vaccine.
Vaccination is an important strategy for prevention, since it has the potential to permanently protect individuals from fungal infection.
 A recent publication by Liu et al has produced interesting results using Saccharomyces (yeast). The authors have found that Saccharomyces species can act as a protective vaccine against a lethal systemic Aspergillus infection in various strains of mice. They describe
experiments optimizing a subcutaneous vaccination regime, using killed yeast.
Three
injections of 2.5 mg given a week apart and 2 weeks prior to challenge, consistently and
significantly provided survival protection and reduction of infection in organs in
surviving mice. The protection was independent of the strain of Saccharomyces, and
possibly the species, and could be demonstrated in several inbred (including
C′-deficient) and outbred mouse strains.
The protective factor appeared to
reside in the cell wall and was resistant to 100 °C treatment, but not to protease or
formalin. Alum - an adjuvant component - enhanced the protection. The protection was comparable or superior to that of several Aspergillus-specific preparations described in the literature.
The prospect of cross reactivity of the yeast vaccine with other fungal groups - raises the possibility of generating a pan fungal vaccine. But this would require clinical tests in humans which takes some time.
A recent article in Scientist by Brad Spellberg (reviewed in our Blog) discussed other options for vaccination using crude extracts of Aspergillus fumigatus as vaccines in mice. These were protective against subsequent infection - however these have now been refined to identify a fungal surface antigen Asp f3 which appears to be the active antigen at least in mice.
Both approaches offer good prospects of leading to a suitable vaccine for those patients at risk of developing aspergillosis.
Latest News and Articles
Zenopa
BD is to collaborate with Lab21 on the development of a new molecular diagnostic assay to detect the deadly Aspergillus fungus. The state-of-the-art device is being created for the BD Max molecular testing system, adding to a pipeline of assay products.
Researchers at Montana State University have found that a shortage of oxygen occurs in the lungs after an invasion of the common mold Aspergillus fumigatus, which can cause deadly infections in humans.
The complete genome of Aspergillus sojae has been published. Sequence was compared to that of Aspergillus oryzae (another species widely used for fermentation to prepare food - Soy sauce in this case) and genetic similarities noted alongside functional similarities in the hope of understanding differences between these strains and other sequenced Aspergillus species.
Attention Clinicians!
AspICU2 is a web-based multicentre observational survey to assess the burden of aspergillosis and other fungi in critically ill patients. AspICU2 is the follow up of the original study AspICU project where emphasis was given to Aspergillus-positive cultures in critically ill patients. AspICU2 has a broadened scope to include other fungal disease with the accent on epidemiology, especially incidence and risk factor identification.
Selected articles: (36 new articles added, 2 of which are reviews and 2 historical)
Invasive aspergillosis in patients with hematological malignancies: incidence and description of 127 cases enrolled in a single institution prospective survey from 2004 to 2009
Invasive aspergillosis (IA) remains a frequent and highly lethal opportunistic infection in haematology patients however its incidence and mortality declined between 2004 and 2009 in the group of patients studied. Knowledge of invasive aspergillosis characteristics and its clinical course should help to improve the management of these patients with severe disease.
Human NK cells display important antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus, which is directly mediated by IFN gamma
By studying the in vitro interaction between human NK cells and A. fumigatus, only germinated morphologies were highly immunogenic, able to induce a Th1-like response, and capable of upregulating cytokines such as IFN-gamma and TNF alpha. Moreover, priming NK cells with human rIL-2 and stimulating NK cells by direct NK cell-pathogen contact were essential to induce damage against A. fumigatus.
However, the most interesting finding was that NK cells did not mediate anti-Aspergillus cytotoxicity through degranulation of their cytotoxic proteins (perforin, granzymes, granulysine), but via an alternative mechanism involving soluble factor(s). This study is the first to demonstrate that IFN gamma, released by NK cells, directly damages A. fumigatus, attributing new properties to both human NK cells and IFN-gamma.
Comparative proteomic profiles of Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus lentulus strains by surface-enhanced laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry
The aim was to validate whether mass spectrometry protein profiles can be used as specific signatures to discriminate different Aspergillus species or even mutants within the same species.
Analysis distinguished A. fumigatus from A. lentulus strains and moreover, permitted separate clusters of natural abnormally pigmented A. fumigatus strains to be obtained. In addition, this methodology allowed us to point out fungal components specifically produced by a wild-type strain or natural mutants. It offers attractive potential for further studies of the Aspergillus biology or pathogenesis.
Reviews
Overview of treatment options for invasive fungal infections
A review of all classes of antifungal drugs summarising safety, activity and clinical applications.
(link)
Notes & slides from the latest Aspergillosis Patients meeting at the National Aspergillosis Centre (NAC) are available to watch here. Remote users can now watch and chat live during the meetings here
The talk was given by Nicola Smith - The Genetic Susceptibility to Aspergillosis in Patients. Nicola Smith is studying for her PhD at the National Aspergillosis Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, University Hospital of South Manchester, UK.
Drug interactions? If you are taking antifungal medication and want to see if your medicine might interact with other medicines you are using, why not visit the new drug interactions section on the patients' site.
Aspergillus Association of America
This US charity has has many similar aims to ourselves in the fight against aspergillosis and we are both hoping for closer collaboration in the future, but for now they are holding two fundraising 'events' that are well worth supporting:
- A fundraising cookbook consisting of many recipes donated by friends, costing $15.
To offer support or buy a cookbook you should go to https://aspergillusassociation.org/Fundraising.html where you can offer payment via PayPal and if you are a US taxpayer it will be tax-deductible.
Himalayan 100 mile stage race
Only 60 days to go: Lewis Fraser & Aaron McKevitt are going to run one of the most demanding events in the world in aid of the Fungal Research Trust. The Himalayan Challenge (http://www.everestendurance.co.uk/) involves running 100 miles in 5 days at altitude and finishing 5000 feet higher than the start!
This astonishing feat of endurance is in memory of Steph Smith (21 years) who died tragically from an acute aspergillosis infection nearly 2 years ago.
Lewis was Steph's partner and his story has recently featured in our blog. Read about his arduous preparation runs here.
Please donate in memory of Steph and in appreciation of this huge effort by Lewis & Aaron.
To date £6,689 has been donated already - many thanks to everyone who is contributing.
Greetings Cards
Designer cards in aid of the Fungal Research Trust. £1.75 each and 75% of that goes to the FRT. Order here.
New Genomes
Draft sequence of Aspergillus sojae has been published.
Veterinary
Aspergillus fumigatus in poultry. A. fumigatus remains a major respiratory pathogen with prevention being of utmost importance.
NB Vets in the UK in need of assistance with acquiring antifungals please contact us here
Thanks for reading!
Visit our website again soon.
The Aspergillus Team.
Contact us/Feedback |
|
 You can donate through Virgin Money Giving. Through this organisation all of your donations goes straight to our charity. If you are a UK taxpayer we can reclaim the tax on your donation.
Will you donate just £1 (or $1 or €1) per newsletter to help us deliver the Aspergillus website and sustain research into Aspergillus related illnesses? That is just £12 for a year of newsletters. We need your help to continue providing up to date information and resources for patients and Doctors through the Aspergillus website.
Register for An Interactive Masterclass:
Management of chronic and allergic pulmonary aspergillosis. To be held prior to the 5th Advances against Aspergillosis conference on Wednesday 25th January 2012.
Expert Patient Programme
Learn to manage long term illness better by taking part in a 6 week course. Originally designed at Stanford University, USA 20 years ago this programme has proven benefit for the patient, the carer and family. In the UK this is provided free of charge by the NHS.
Contact us for more information
Jobs
One job is currently being advertised:
Postdoctoral position in Antifungal immunity
An NIH-funded Immunology postdoctoral position is available to investigate vaccine associated immunity to fungi and novel mammalian signaling pathways involved in protective immunity. Successful candidates will be motivated and experienced in cellular and molecular immunology. Experience in pathogen recognition signaling pathways, T-cell biology and murine models of infectious diseases are desirable. Applicants must have strong written and verbal skills in English. Madison,WI USA
Advertise your vacancy free of charge on the Aspergillus Website here. *Optional donation to the Fungal Research Trust to cover costs incurred in providing this newsletter.
Conferences - coming up
Call for abstracts: 5th Advances Against Aspergillosis 26-28 January 2012 Istanbul, Turkey -
Abstracts deadline September 27 2011.
Asian Mycological Congress August 7 - 11. Incheon, Korea
Brazilian Congress of Infectious Diseases: Infecto 2011 August 24 - 28. Brasilia, Brazil
45th Scientific Meeting of the German-language Mycological Society (DMYKG) September 1-3, Kiel Germany.
XIII International Congress of Mycology Sept 6-10, Sapporo, Japan.
International Congress on Controversies in Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies Sept 8-11. Berlin, Germany
I International Symposium on Mycotoxins in Nuts and Dried Fruits Sept 8-11 Damghan,Iran
Fungal Development and Pathogenesis Sept 13-16, Exeter. UK
IV International Conference on Environmental, Industrial and Applied Microbiology (BioMicroWorld2011) , Sept 14-16, Torremolinos, Spain
Many more here...
Courses and Workshops
We keep a listing of courses and workshops including 'one off' events and courses that repeat regularly. Course subjects are wide ranging and include medical mycology, lab ID, young scientists symposia and much more. Those coming up next are:
- ESCMID-SHEA Training Course in Hospital Epidemiology Sept 3-6 Switzerland. LINK
- State-of-the-art in Emerging Fungal Infections, ESCMID Postgraduate Education Course 8-9th September, Cluj-Napoca, Romania Link
- Challenges and Solutions in the Development of New Diagnostic Tests to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance Sept 28-29, Brussels , Belgium Link
If you know of a course that should be added to this list please add it by contacting us here
Blog
NewsBites
-
-
-
Blogs
- Yeast as a Universal Antifungal Vaccine?
- Collaborative Cross Mice and Mapping Susceptibility to Aspergillus fumigatus
- Growth of Fungi: Time Lapse Video
- Research to Prevent Mucus Overproduction in Airways in Aspergillosis - a new clue
- Lung Regeneration to Cure Chronic Lung Disease - Getting Closer to Science Fact not Fiction
Latest Books
Latest Theses
View latest UK theses online. 
NB Links to theses require library membership.
Laboratory Protocols
We are always looking for more for our collection - please send your suggestions here
Technical Tips
Our discussion group (email and/or website) designed to promote discussion on technical issues for laboratory workers.
Searching for Aspergillus Information
RSS
Download our updates and articles automatically every time we add to those pages- no need to wait for the next newsletter. 40 000 pages accesses per month. Use RSS.
What is RSS and how do I use it? Get help here.
Twitter
You can now receive notification of updates to the Aspergillus Website on your mobile phone via SMS texting free of charge. Go to http://twitter.com/AspergillusWeb and open a Twitter account. Follow AspergillusWeb. 105 already follow AspergillusWeb.
If your network does not support Twitter SMS and you have a smartphone you can still monitor our messages over 3G or Wifi via free software and apps installed on your phone
Facebook Causes
The Fungal Research Trust have a Facebook Causes page. Give your support to the cause here.
LinkedIn
Join the Aspergillus & Aspergillosis group to get in touch and keep in touch with your professional colleagues working in this field. All free of charge.
HonCode
|
Blog
RSS
Twitter
The NCG
