Virulence of Aspergillus flavus and relatives using the Galleria mellonella model

This data collection contains research data of virulence evaluation on Aspergillus flavus and relatives using the Galleria mellonella model. It includes data on larval survival rates, kinetic studies of isolates from section Flavi, and measurements of isolate spore sizes. The experiments were conducted in 2024 at the Mycology Reference Laboratory of Radboudumc. Below is a short explanation of the experiments and the content of the collection. Aspergillus section Flavi encompasses multiple species, with A. flavus being significant for human health because of its dual role as a major producer of aflatoxins and as an opportunist. However, the mechanisms underlying its virulence remain incompletely understood. This study evaluates the pathogenic potential of A. flavus and its relatives using the Galleria mellonella infection model. Twenty-six A. flavus isolates (clinical and environmental) and 17 relatives/ domesticated species were tested in G. mellonella, with larval survival monitored over seven days.