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Aspergillosis is a fungal disease caused by fungi of the genus Aspergillus, in particular A. fumigatus and A. flavus. This paper focuses on anatomopathological aspects resulting from a chronic infection from Aspergillus spp in the chicken (Gallus domesticus), in the herring gull (Larus cachinnans micaelli) and in the red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa rufa). Microscopically, we observed some histological lesions that are related to the two typical forms of Aspergillosis: a deep nodular form, typical of organs with a non-aerated parenchyma, and a non-encapsulated superficial diffuse form typical of the serosae and the lung. The observed forms of aspergillosis have been found in animals raised in poor hygienic environmental conditions or malnourished animals (chicken); in wild birds from wildlife recovery centres (herring gull), which underwent some forms of stress, such as traumas, detention, starvation, extended antibiotic treatments; in game birds (red-legged partridge) used for restocking natural areas that had been negatively affected by such stressors as captivity in aviaries, containment and transport in cages, release in unsuitable environments and malnutrition. The observed anatomopathological and istopathological aspects can therefore be regarded as the outcome of a number of factors that have reduced the typical resistance of the species and impaired the efficiency of their immune systems.

Background: A wide range of frequency of azole‐resistance in A fumigatus in different patient populations worldwide was observed threatening to reduce therapeutic options. Objectives: Estimate the prevalence of azole‐resistance, investigate the molecular mechanisms of resistance, compare the genotypes of resistant clinical isolates with those from the surrounding environment. Methods: Aspergillus isolates were collected by seven Italian hospital microbiology laboratories. Strains were isolated from different clinical samples from unselected patients. The azole‐resistance was evaluated using screening test and microdilution EUCAST method. The molecular mechanism of resistance was performed sequencing the cyp51A gene. Resistant isolates were genotyped by microsatellite analysis and their profiles compared with those of azole‐resistant isolates from previous Italian studies. Results: 425 Aspergillus isolates from 367 patients were analysed. The azole‐resistance rates were 4.9% and 6.6% considering all Aspergillus spp. isolates and the A fumigatus sensu stricto, respectively. All resistant isolates except one were from a single hospital. Two rare azole‐resistant species were identified: A thermomutatus and A lentulus. The predominant resistance mechanism was TR34/L98H. No correlation between the clinical resistant strains and environmental isolates from patients' home/work/ward was observed. The analysis of the molecular correlation between the resistant clinical strains collected in the present study and those of environmental and clinical origin collected in previous Italian studies reveals a progressive diversification of azole‐resistant genotypes starting from a founder azole‐resistant genotype. Conclusions: This study confirms the trend of azole‐resistance rate in Italy, showing a geographical difference. Data reinforce the importance of surveillance programmes to monitor the local epidemiological situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]