Author:
Year published: 2023
Publisher:
StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing
Date: 22 Feb 2023
Abstract:
Excerpt:
Aspergillus is a ubiquitous, filamentous fungus that primarily causes infection in immunocompromised hosts and individuals with underlying pulmonary disease. In the environment, Aspergillus species obtain nutrients from dead material and reproduce asexually via conidia. Over twenty-four species of Aspergillus are capable of causing human disease, but A. fumigatus, followed by A. terreus and A. flavus, is the most implicated as a pathogen. Although caused by the same genus of fungi, aspergillosis should be thought of as a spectrum of processes that vary widely depending on the host’s immune status. Thus, the implications can vary from life-threatening, as is noted in invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and invasive rhinosinusitis seen in the severely immunocompromised, to non-urgent in the case of small aspergillomas in the immunocompetent, where monitoring with serial imaging is appropriate in most cases.
There are three major types of bronchopulmonary aspergillosis: invasive aspergillosis, chronic aspergillosis, and allergic aspergillosis. Although transmission is via aspiration of conidia, most people inhaling conidia will not contract aspergillosis due to immune response. Neutrophils are noted as the most important immune cell in the immune response against Aspergillus species. If left untreated, invasive aspergillosis has mortality approaching 100%. In cases of suspected invasive aspergillosis, an extensive diagnostic workup is necessary, but treatment should be initiated as soon as possible to reduce morbidity and mortality.
URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482241/
Notes:
Bookshelf ID: NBK482241
Author address:
Open access book: https://www.aspergillus.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/29489184.pdf