Microbial Bioactives
Microbial Bioactives | Online ISSN 2209-2161
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Volume 9 Number 1 2026
REVIEWS (Open Access)
Health Risks and Industrial Significance of Filamentous Fungi: Pathogenicity, Mycotoxicity, and Environmental Determinants
Ibrahim B. E. El Bashir 1, Sakina Yagi 1*
Microbial Bioactives 9 (1) 1-8 https://doi.org/10.25163/microbbioacts.9110641
Submitted: 14 April 2026 Revised: 03 June 2026 Accepted: 12 June 2026 Published: 18 June 2026
Abstract
Filamentous fungi are ubiquitous organisms with dual roles in human life, offering industrial and nutritional benefits while posing substantial health risks. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized evidence from multiple studies to evaluate the pathogenicity and mycotoxicity of three primary fungal genera—Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium. Comprehensive literature searches were conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, identifying studies that assessed human health outcomes related to fungal exposure, including infections, toxin-mediated organ damage, and immunological disruptions. Statistical analyses employed random-effects models to account for study heterogeneity, and both forest and funnel plots were generated to evaluate pooled effect sizes and publication bias. Results indicated that Aspergillus species are the most prevalent airborne pathogens, with aflatoxins representing potent hepatotoxins. Penicillium species were primarily linked to food spoilage and opportunistic infections, whereas Fusarium species contributed significantly to systemic infections and reproductive toxicity through trichothecenes and zearalenone. Forest plot analysis demonstrated consistent associations between fungal exposure and adverse health outcomes, while funnel plots indicated minimal publication bias. Limitations included heterogeneity among studies, reliance on observational data, and variable diagnostic methodologies. Overall, this meta-analysis provides robust evidence of the health risks posed by filamentous fungi, emphasizing the importance of exposure mitigation, improved monitoring, and further research to refine preventive strategies. The findings highlight the need for global public health initiatives to address fungal contamination in food and environmental sources.
Keywords: Filamentous fungi; Aspergillus; Penicillium; Fusarium; Mycotoxins; Systematic review; Meta-analysis; Health risks
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