Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis

1. General Characteristics

   • Affect both healthy and immunocompromised
   • Etiological agents: Aspergillus spp.
     • A. fumigatus most common, ubiquitous
   • Transmission: inhalation of conidia

2. Clin. issues and Dx

   • Invasive aspergillosis - Charac. by blood vessel thrombosis, infarction and airways blockage, widespread organ destruction
   • Aspergilloma: fungal balls within infected lungs and sinus cavities
   • Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) - Allergic reaction => asthmatic condition
   • Lab dx: Isolation of A. fumigatus, small, fluffy white/green colonies, sporulation within 2 days
   • Serological test e.g. ELISA

3. Treatment

   • Systemic AmB or itraconazole
   • Voriconazole & caspofungin (new drugs) refractory invasive aspergillosis
   • Surgery for some cases