Aspergillosis
infectious disease of humans, birds and other animals
Aspergillosis is an caused by aspergillus fungi. There are five different types of aspergillosis. Most of the time it affects the lungs and cause breathing difficulties.[2]
| Aspergillosis | |
|---|---|
_invasive_type.jpg) | |
| Pulmonary invasive aspergillosis in a person with interstitial pneumonia (autopsy material), using Grocott's methenamine silver stain | |
| Pronunciation | |
| Medical specialty | Infectious disease |
| Complications | Bleeding, systemic infection[1] |
| Causes | Aspergillus fungal infection |
| Frequency | 14 million |
Treatment & types
changeThere are five types of aspergillus infections, with their own signs and symptoms, complications, and treatment.
- Asthma: (Type 1 hypersensitivity). A lot of the time, asthmatics are also affected by ABPA.
- Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA[permanent dead link]): Type 1 and 3 hypersensitivity reaction to aspergillus fumigatas. Affects 1-5% of asthmatics, 2-25% of cystic fibrosis sufferers. Treatment is: Steroid tablets and antifungal tablets.[2]
- Mycetoma (aspergilloma): ball of fungi in the lungs. Often linked with CPA.[2] Treatment is: Surgery to remove the ball if it is causing symptoms, often after antifungal treatment.[2]
- Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA): Dangerous for immunocompromised people. Can spread due to the over use of broad-spectrum antibiotics (medicines used for a wide range of infection). Treatment is: Antifungal medicine given directly into a vein in hospital.[2]
- Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA): chronic (long or serious) infection of aspergillus Treatment is: Long-term (possibly lifelong) treatment with antifungal tablets.[2]
Similar
changeApergillus (malt workers lung), bird fanciers lung (from bird droppings)
References
change- ↑ "Aspergillosis". mayoclinic.org. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved June 5, 2022.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "Aspergillosis". nhs.uk. 2017-10-20. Retrieved 2024-05-18.