Aspergillus

Question 1

How does transmission of Aspergillosis occur?

Answer 1

Transmission occurs through inhaling airborne Aspergillus spores.

Question 2

Who is most at risk for Aspergillosis?

Answer 2

People with weakened immune systems or lung diseases are most at risk.

Question 3

What factors influence the treatment of Aspergillosis?

Answer 3

Aspergillosis treatment depends on the type of infection.

Question 4

What is the most common species of Aspergillus associated with infections?

Answer 4

Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) and A. flavus.

Question 5

What are common environments where Aspergillus species can be found?

Answer 5

• Soil
• Decomposing plant matter
• Household dust
• Building materials
• Plants
• Food
• Water

Question 6

What are risk factors for invasive aspergillosis?

Answer 6

• Severe/prolonged granulocytopenia
• Hematologic malignancies
• Hematopoietic stem cell or solid organ transplant
• High-dose corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive therapies

Question 7

What underlying conditions are associated with allergic aspergillosis?

Answer 7

• Asthma
• Cystic fibrosis
• Other underlying lung diseases

Question 8

How does aspergillosis spread?

Answer 8

Transmission occurs through inhaling airborne spores.

Question 9

What are some clinical features of aspergillosis in immunocompromised individuals?

Answer 9

• Invasive pulmonary infection
• Fever
• Cough
• Chest pain

Question 10

What diagnostic tools are used to diagnose aspergillosis?

Answer 10

• Microscopy
• Histopathology
• Culture
• Galactomannan antigen test
• Beta-d-glucan assay
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Question 11

What does the Galactomannan antigen test detect?

Answer 11

It detects a polysaccharide that makes up part of the cell wall of Aspergillus.

Question 12

What is the typical treatment for allergic aspergillosis?

Answer 12

Treatment is usually itraconazole but can also be corticosteroids.

Question 13

What treatment options are available for aspergilloma?

Answer 13

Treatment may be a combination of surgery and antifungal medications.

Question 14

What should be done for patients with severe invasive aspergillosis?

Answer 14

They may need surgery, and immunosuppressive medications should be decreased or discontinued if possible.

Question 15

What emerging issue is being observed with Aspergillus fumigatus in the U.S.?

Answer 15

A. fumigatus that is resistant to azole antifungal medications is emerging.

Question 16

What should healthcare professionals do if resistant A. fumigatus is suspected?

Answer 16

Clinicians should consult their local health department.

Question 17

What network performs screening to monitor azole-resistant A. fumigatus?

Answer 17

Select regional labs in the AR Lab Network.