Abstract

Aspergillus fumigatus is a globally distributed mold and major opportunistic human pathogen, known for its ability to grow at high temperatures. This study examined 89 strains from 12 countries to assess variation in thermal growth and potential links to geographic origin. Strains were grown at four temperatures and genotyped at nine microsatellite loci. Results showed significant variation in growth among strains, even within the same region, but no strong correlation between thermal growth profiles and genetic makeup or geographic origin. These findings suggest that A. fumigatus populations have broad thermal adaptability, likely enabling rapid adjustment to changing temperatures. This adaptability has important implications for the pathogen’s evolution and spread, especially under the pressures of global climate change.

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