Aspergillus in Children and Young People with Cystic Fibrosis: A Narrative Review
Aspergillus in Children and Young People with Cystic Fibrosis: A Narrative Review

Aspergillus in Children and Young People with Cystic Fibrosis: A Narrative Review

J Fungi (Basel). 2025 Mar 9;11(3):210. doi: 10.3390/jof11030210.

ABSTRACT

Cystic fibrosis is a severe, inherited, life-limiting disorder, and over half of those living with CF are children. Persistent airway infection and inflammation, resulting in progressive lung function decline, is the hallmark of this disorder. Aspergillus colonization and infection is a well-known complication in people with CF and can evolve in a range of Aspergillus disease phenotypes, including Aspergillus bronchitis, fungal sensitization, and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). Management strategies for children with CF are primarily aimed at preventing lung damage and lung function decline caused by bacterial infections. The role of Aspergillus infections is less understood, especially during childhood, and therefore evidence-based diagnostic and treatment guidelines are lacking. This narrative review summarizes our current understanding of the impact of Aspergillus on the airways of children and young people with CF.

PMID:40137248 | DOI:10.3390/jof11030210