Aspergillosis is an infection or allergic response caused by the Aspergillus fungus. The Aspergillus fungus is usually found growing in compost piles, stored grain, and dead leaves or in decaying vegetation. This particular fungus may also be found in marijuana.
Most people become exposed to the Aspergillus fungus, but don’t get sick. It is quite rare for people to become sick when exposed to this fungus; however, people with impaired immune system responses could become sick. Rare infections caused by the Aspergillus fungus include fungal abscesses, tumor growths, and pneumonia and other pulmonary illnesses.
Types of Aspergillosis
The types of Aspergillosis include Pulmonary Aspergillosis and Aspergilloma. These conditions are discussed below.
Pulmonary Aspergillosis – Pulmonary Aspergillosis is an allergic reaction to the fungus which generally develops in people already having lung problems such as asthma and cystic fibrosis.
Aspergilloma – Aspergilloma is a condition that develops in people who have had previous diseases and conditions such as lung abscesses and tuberculosis. Aspergilloma usually occurs in people who have weak immune systems. The people most at risk for developing Aspergilloma are those who have suffered from cancer, had an organ transplant, had chemotherapy, leukemia, AIDS or other conditions which lower the white blood cells (WBCs) in the immune system.
Symptoms of Aspergillosis
The symptoms of Aspergillosis depend on the type of infection. The symptoms may include:
Bone pain
Blood in urine
Chest pain
Chills
Cough
Decreased urine output
Endocarditis
Fever
Generalized ill feeling
Headaches
Increased sputum production
Meningitis
Shortness of breath
Sinusitis
Skin sores (lesions)
Wheezing
Diagnosis of Aspergillosis
The doctor will need to order tests to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of Aspergillosis. The tests for an Aspergillus fungal infection include:
Aspergillosis antibody test
Chest x-ray
Complete blood count
Culture for Aspergillus
CT scan
Galactomannan (A molecule caused by the fungus that is sometimes found in the blood.)
Sputum stain
Tissue biopsy
Treatment of Aspergillosis
Persistent Aspergillosis is treated during several weeks of antifungal drug treatment. The drugs used in the treatment of Aspergillosis are Voriconizole (taken orally or through IV), Amphotericin B, Itraconazole and Eichinocandins (may be taken orally).
If the patient has a fungus ball, it is not usually treated with antifungal medicines, except when there is bleeding in the lung tissue. In most cases, a fungus ball is treated with surgery.
Endocarditis caused by the Aspergillus fungus is surgically treated by removing the contaminated heart valves. The patient may also need to be treated with Amphotericin B over a long period of time.
In the case of allergic Aspergillosis antifungal medications are not indicated. Allergic Aspergillosis is treated with immunosuppressive medications like Prednisone. People with allergic Aspergillosis usually get better quickly after being treated with immunosuppressive drugs; although, there is a possibility of having a relapse of this infection.
Conclusion
There are some complications associated with Aspergillosis infections. The medication, Amphotericin B may cause kidney impairment and other unpleasant side effects. Respiratory problems include chronic lung disease and bleeding from the lungs, bronchiectasis, mucous plugs, permanent airway obstructions, and respiratory failure. Persistent cases of Aspergillosis can lead to death if the condition doesn’t respond well to treatment.
Sources:
Medline Plus
