ABSTRACT
Aspergillus Aspergillus is a common environmental mold, but an uncommon cause of human infection. Clinical infections mostly affect the lungs (following inhalation of Aspergillus spores), causing either allergic aspergillosis (producing asthma-like symptoms – Farmer’s lung), aspergilloma (a fungus ball that often develops in pre-existing lung cavities), or invasive aspergillosis (in immunosuppressed patients). Laboratory diagnosis is by detection of Aspergillus antibodies or antigen in blood, culture from clinical specimens, or detection of fungal hyphae by histology. However, clinical and radiological diagnosis is important because laboratory investigations are insensitive. Allergic aspergillosis can be treated with inhaled steroids. Surgical resection of an aspergilloma may be required. Treatment of invasive aspergillosis is with high-dose systemic antifungal drugs. Prophylactic antifungal drugs and an ultraclean air supply may be used to reduce the risk of invasive aspergillosis in at-risk patients.
