Penicillium and Talaromyces diversity in cystic fibrosis patient sample and the description of a new species, Penicillium subluteum sp. nov. (Eurotiales, Aspergillaceae)

<i>Penicillium</i> and <i>Talaromyces</i> species are frequently isolated from the respiratory tracts of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, yet their diversity, ecological roles, and clinical significance remain poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed 521 fungal isolates (482 <i>Penicillium</i> and 39 <i>Talaromyces</i>) obtained from Dutch CF patients to investigate species diversity and prevalence. Using a combination of AFLP fingerprinting and DNA sequences analysis, we identified 57 <i>Penicillium</i> and 18 <i>Talaromyces</i> species, including a putatively new species named <i>Penicillium subluteum</i> <b>sp. nov.</b> The most commonly isolated <i>Penicillium</i> species included <i>P. crustosum</i>, <i>P. frequentans</i>, <i>P. chrysogenum</i>, <i>P. rubens</i>, and <i>P. brevicompactum</i>, while <i>Talaromyces rugulosus</i> was the most prevalent <i>Talaromyces</i> species. Our findings highlight the underestimated diversity of <i>Penicillium</i> and <i>Talaromyces</i> in CF patients and emphasize the importance of accurate species identification for understanding fungal colonization patterns and assessing pathogenic potential. This study provides the most comprehensive overview to date of <i>Penicillium</i> and <i>Talaromyces</i> diversity in the CF airway and contributes valuable taxonomic and ecological insights into the role of these fungi in patients with chronic airway disease.