Pronounced: ASS-per-jill-OH-sis
by Ricker Polsdorfer, MD
En Espaol (Spanish Version) Aspergillus is a common type of fungus found all over the world. Several species of Aspergillus can cause human respiratory disease, but infection is highly unusual except in people with a chronic lung disease, compromised immunity due to HIV infection and AIDS , or prolonged chemotherapy or steroid usage.
In people with inadequate immunity, Aspergillus can spread to other organs such as the eye, sinuses, and brain. It is a serious condition that requires treatment.
Another form of aspergillosis affects people with asthma . Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is one of dozens of allergic reactions to environmental agents like sawdust, spores, and other airborne particles.
Inhaling fungus spores causes Aspergillus .
2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
The following factors increase your chance of developing Aspergillus . If you have any of these risk factors, tell your doctor:
Compromised immunity AIDSDrugs that accompany an organ transplantCertain cancer treatmentsLong-term, high-dose cortisone-like drugsPoorly functioning or too few white blood cells (neutropenia) Chronic lung disease BronchiectasisTuberculosisSarcoidosisHistoplasmosisAsthma Asthma in Lungs 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc. Symptoms If you experience any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to aspergillosis. These symptoms may be caused by many other health conditions, both more and less serious. If you experience any one of them, see your physician. Chronic productive coughCoughing up bloodFeverShortness of breathWheezing DiagnosisYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. You may be referred to a specialist in lung diseases (a pulmonologist) or infectious diseases. Tests may include the following: Blood and urine samplesSputum samplesChest x-ray , CT , or MRI studies Bronchoscopy (looking into your lungs with a special thin telescope) Treatment There is a reason why you have this disease. The underlying disease must be treated along with the Aspergillus if progress is to be made. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options for this condition include:
MedicationIntravenous Amphotericin BThis medication is given for a prolonged period of time. It is a powerful medicine that may damage the kidneys.VoriconazoleThis medication has been found to be highly effective for invasive aspergillosis. It may also be a preferred treatment option for many individuals.ItraconazoleThis oral medication is effective in some cases. SurgeryPart of your lung may need to be removed if it contains a large mass of fungus. Prevention Prevention is not an issue with Aspergillus . Healthy individuals have no problem with it, even though the fungus is everywhere. Those with chronic diseases or compromised immunity may also be exposed to it. RESOURCES: Center for Disease Control (CDC)http://www.cdc.gov The Aspergillus Websitehttp://www.aspergillus.man.ac.uk CANADIAN RESOURCES: Canadian HIV/AIDS Information Centrehttp://www.aidssida.cpha.ca The Canadian Lung Associationhttp://www.lung.ca/pneumonia References: Aspergillosis. DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamicmedical.com/dynamed.nsf?opendatabase . Accessed October 4, 2005. Beers MH, Berkow R, eds. The Merck Manual . 17th ed. West Point, PA: Merck & Co;1999.
Bennett JE. Aspergillosis. In: Kasper DL, et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine . 16th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2005:1188-1190. Mandell GL, Bennet JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practices of Infectious Diseases . 6th ed. 2005. Last reviewed January 2008 by David L. Horn, MD, FACPPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
