infections
Aspergillosis
Introduction
Aspergillosis is an infection, usually of the lungs, caused by the fungusAspergillus. A ball of fungus fibers, blood clots, and white blood cells may form in the lungs or sinuses. People may have no symptoms or may cough up blood or have a fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. If fungi spread to the liver or kidneys, these organs may malfunction. Diagnosis usually is based on the culture results of a sample of infected material and sometimes on an x-ray or computed tomography. Antifungal medications are used, and sometimes surgery is needed to remove the fungal balls. (See also Overview of Fungal Infections .) Aspergilli are very common in the environment—indoors and out—and frequently occur in compost heaps, air vents, and airborne dust. These fungi are thus unavoidable. spores. Most people inhale these spores every day without being affected. But if the immune system is weak, infection is more likely because aspergillosis is an Opportunistic fungal infections (one that takes advantage of a weakened immune system). The immune system may be weakened by the following: Disorders that affect the immune system (including AIDS and some hereditary disorders) Cancer Medications such as corticosteroids (if high doses are taken for a long time), cancer chemotherapy, or medications used to prevent an organ transplant from being rejected Aspergillosis has several forms: Pulmonary aspergillosis:Aspergillosis usually develops in open spaces in the body, such as cavities in the lungs caused by preexisting lung disorders. In the lungs, aspergillosis typically develops as a ball (aspergilloma) composed of a tangled mass of fungus fibers, blood clots, and white blood cells. The fungus ball gradually enlarges, destroying lung tissue in the process, but usually does not spread to other areas. Sinus aspergillosis:The infection may also develop in the sinuses. In the sinuses, aspergillosis typically develops as an aspergilloma. Invasive aspergillosis:Less often, aspergillosis becomes very aggressive and rapidly spreads throughout the lungs and often through the bloodstream to the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys. This rapid spread occurs mainly in people with a very weakened immune system. Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis : Superficial aspergillosis:This form is uncommon. It may develop in burns, under bandages, after damage to the eye, or in the sinuses, mouth, nose, or ear canal. 