Aspergillosis
Aspergillosis refers to the invasive and allergic diseases caused by a hyaline mold named Aspergillus.
Pathogenesis
Aspergillus species are widely distributed in nature, most commonly growing on decaying plants,
producing chains of conidia.
Transmission occurs by inhalation of airborne conidia.
Risk Factors
Glucocorticoid use
Profound neutropenia
Neutrophil dysfunction
Underlying pneumonia, COPD, TB
Anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy
Clinical Manifestations
Incubation period varies from 2–90 days.
Various clinical manifestations:
1. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
2. Aspergilloma
3. Invasive aspergillosis
4. Superficial infections
Pulmonary Aspergillosis
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA): Inhaled spores provoke allergic reactions
like asthma and extrinsic alveolitis.
Fungus grows within the lumen of bronchioles, which is filled with fungal plugs.
Aspergillosis refers to the invasive and allergic diseases caused by a hyaline mold named Aspergillus.
Pathogenesis
Aspergillus species are widely distributed in nature, most commonly growing on decaying plants,
producing chains of conidia.
Transmission occurs by inhalation of airborne conidia.
Risk Factors
Glucocorticoid use
Profound neutropenia
Neutrophil dysfunction
Underlying pneumonia, COPD, TB
Anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy
Clinical Manifestations
Incubation period varies from 2–90 days.
Various clinical manifestations:
1. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
2. Aspergilloma
3. Invasive aspergillosis
4. Superficial infections
Pulmonary Aspergillosis
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA): Inhaled spores provoke allergic reactions
like asthma and extrinsic alveolitis.
Fungus grows within the lumen of bronchioles, which is filled with fungal plugs.
