Aspergillosis

Question 1

Aspergillosis

Answer 1

Aspergillosis is a group of diseases caused by a common mold known as Aspergillus, which can affect the respiratory system and other organs. While most people breathe in the spores without getting sick, aspergillosis typically develops in individuals with a weakened immune system or pre-existing lung conditions.

Question 2

types of aspergillosis

Answer 2

Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) (an allergy in asthmatics),
Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA) (long-term infection, often with a fungal ball called an Aspergilloma), and
life-threatening Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis (IPA) (for severely immunocompromised individuals)

Question 3

main cause of aspergillosis and who is most likely to be affected by it

Answer 3

main cuase is the inhalation of the spores of Aspergillus mould, found in soil plants and damp buildings

those most affected are the immunocompromised, and also those with pre-existing lung conditions

Question 4

symptoms of aspergillosis

Answer 4

a cough (sometimes with blood or mucus), shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, fever, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss…etc

Question 5

how to diagnose

Answer 5

detailed patient history, alongside imaging(chest X-ray/CT scan).

also blood tests, sputum tests and allergy tests (for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis)

Question 6

first line treatment for the different types of aspergillosis

Answer 6

for IPA, first line is Voriconazole (IV or oral), with lipid formulations of Amphotericin B as an alternative.

for ABPA, first line is Oral steroids (prednisolone) to control inflammation. we use these alongside antifungals line itraconazole.

for CPA , first line is long term antifungal tablets.

note if the is an aspergilloma in CPA, the surgery required to remove it, usually after antifungal treatment