ASPERGILLOSIS

Overview & Facts

  • An infection or allergic response because of the Aspergillus fungus.
    • Fungus is usually found growing on dead leaves, stored grain, compost piles, or in other decaying vegetation; can also be found on leaves of the marijuana plant.
    • Most people are frequently exposed to Aspergillus but infections caused by the fungus rarely occur in people who have an intact immune system.

Types & Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the type of infection.

Allergic pulmonary aspergillosis may have:

  • Cough
  • Coughing up blood or brownish mucus plugs
  • Fever
  • General ill feeling (malaise)
  • Wheezing
  • Weight loss

Other symptoms depend on the part of the body affected, and may include:

  • Bone pain
  • Chest pain
  • Chills
  • Decreased urine output
  • Headaches
  • Increased phlegm production, which may be bloody
  • Shortness of breath
  • Skin sores (lesions)
  • Vision problems

 

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

  • Physician may do/request:
    • History & Physical Exam
  • Other additional tests such as:
    • Aspergillus antibody test
    • Chest x-ray
    • Complete blood count
    • CT scan
    • Galactomannan: a molecule from the fungus that is sometimes found in the blood
    • Immunoglobulin E (IgE) blood level
    • Lung function tests
    • Sputum stain and culture for Aspergillus
    • Tissue biopsy

 

RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS

A fungus ball is usually not treated with antifungal medicines

  • unless there is bleeding into the lung tissue.
    • In such a case, surgery and medicines are needed.

Invasive aspergillosis is treated with several weeks of an antifungal medicine. It can be given by mouth or IV (into a vein).

  • Endocarditis caused by Aspergillusis treated by surgically removing the infected heart valves. Long-term antifungal drugs are also needed.

Allergic aspergillosis is treated with drugs that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressive drugs), such as prednisone.

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