Definition:
Pulmonary aspergillosis is an allergic reaction to a fungus called aspergillus, which causes inflammation of the airways and air sacs of the lungs.
Alternative Names:
Aspergillosis - allergic bronchopulmonary; Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis; ABPA
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
The aspergillus fungus is common. It can grow on dead leaves, stored grain, bird droppings, compost stacks, and other decaying vegetation. Although most people are frequently exposed to aspergillus, infections caused by it are rare in people with a normal immune system. These rare infections include pneumonia and fungus ball (aspergilloma). Some people, however, have an allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) to this fungus, which is called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). It is characterized by inflammation of the airways (bronchi) or air sacs (alveoli). The disease may mimic asthma or pneumonia, and, in fact, most patients with ABPA have asthma as well. Patients with asthma or cystic fibrosis are at highest risk for allergic aspergillosis.
References:
Walsh TJ, Anaissie EJ, Denning DW, et al. Treatment of aspergillosis: clincial practice guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis. 2008;46(3):327-360.
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