[Aspergillus fumigatus: from saprophytism to virulence. Phenotypic and genotypic biodiversity].

During the last two decades, deep changes have arised in aspergillosis. Thus, this fungal infection mainly due Aspergillus fumigatus is becoming a serious public health-hazard in the growing population of immunocompromised patients. From literature and their own experience, the authors present a synthesis of phenomenons promoting this evolution: the host predisposing factors, environment and potential contamination sources, then the fungus itself. Genetic research developed into the disease-causing organism could be of major interest in epidemiology of aspergillosis and to identify new targets of prophylaxis.