What is Aspergillus?

Aspergillus is the genus name for a group (over 185 species) of filamentous fungi or common molds, most of which occur in an asexual state, and reproduce by producing conidia (asexual spores or conidiophores) that can spread into many different environments, germinate, and then grow. About 20 species cause infections in humans.
What are the types of Aspergillus?
Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common of the group, followed by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus brasiliensis (formerly termed niger). Aspergillus penicillium is mainly allergenic. That means this species tends to induce a hypersensitive (allergic) reaction instead of infecting the body. Other types or species such as Aspergillus clavatus, the Aspergillus glaucus group, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus ustus, and Aspergillus versicolor less commonly cause disease (note...species may have different names). Infections that these fungi cause are termed aspergillosis. These fungi may cause lung (Aspergillus pneumonia) and other organ infections and allergic reactions (mold allergy or ABPA [allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis], for example). The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) web site lists several types of aspergillosis:
- ABPA (allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis) (not infectious)
- Allergic Aspergillus sinusitis (not infectious)
- Azole-resistant (meaning resistant to azole antifungal drugs like miconazole or ketoconazole) Aspergillus fumigatus (infection)
- Aspergilloma -- a ball of fungus that grows in an organ like the lung
- Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis -- cavities or fungal ball formations (for 3 or more months)
- Invasive aspergillosis -- aspergillosis spreads to one area in the lungs and/or to more than more than one organ system
- Cutaneous (skin) aspergillosis -- aspergillosis infection that starts in a skin break (skin infection) or spreads to the skin from another body site

SLIDESHOW
Bacterial Infections 101: Types, Symptoms, and Treatments See SlideshowWhat causes Aspergillus?
The cause of an Aspergillus infection is a fungus (mold) that may, if conditions are favorable, spread and damage tissue and human organs. However, most people breathe in Aspergillus spores (conidia) daily with no ill effects. In general, people who develop any type of Aspergillus infection have risk factors that have airway compromise and/or weak immune systems. The following are some examples of risk factors:
- Asthma
- Fibrosis
- TB or other lung infections
- COPD
- Immune suppression, including medications taken after an organ transplant
- Cancer
- Chemotherapy
- High-dose corticosteroids
What are the symptoms of Aspergillus?
Aspergillus infection signs and symptoms vary with the type of aspergillosis:
- ABPA
- Allergic Aspergillus sinusitis
- Stuffiness
- Headache
- Runny nose
- Reduced ability to smell
- Aspergilloma
- Cough
- Bloody sputum (hemoptysis)
- Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Cough
- Bloody sputum (hemoptysis)
- Shortness of breath
- Invasive aspergillosis
- Fever and chills
- Cough
- Bloody sputum (hemoptysis)
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest and/or joint pain
- Skin lesions if fungi invade the skin
- Spread from lungs to other organs cause symptoms like bone, liver, and ear infection
- Death
Diagnosis of Aspergillus
Doctors make a diagnosis by evaluating a patient's history, risk factors, symptoms, physical exam, lab tests, and imaging tests like a chest X-ray or CT. They may send respiratory fluid for tests (for example, Aspergillus galactomannan test, a blood test that detects galactomannan, a molecule found in the cell wall of Aspergillus) and microscopic exams (view Aspergillus hyphae and conidia), and they may examine and/or culture biopsy samples.
What is the treatment for Aspergillus?
Treatment options depend on the aspergillosis disease type and severity.
- Allergic types of aspergillosis: the antifungal medication itraconazole, corticosteroid
- Aspergilloma: antifungal medications are the same for invasive aspergillosis listed below and/or surgical removal
- Invasive types and chronic types of aspergillosis (including cutaneous or skin types): antifungal medications such as voriconazole, lipid amphotericin formulations, posaconazole, isavuconazole, itraconazole, caspofungin, and/or micafungin
Although many individuals have died from the invasive disease, there is one report that states voriconazole cured a patient of invasive Aspergillus. Thus, the disease may be curable in some people. Curability should be discussed with the patient's doctor.
What are the complications of Aspergillus?
A rapidly invasive infection is dangerous because it may cause multiple organ damage, organ failure, and death without treatment. Aspergillomas may cause blood clots and/or fatal bleeding in the lungs.
What is the prognosis for Aspergillus?
The prognosis of allergic types of the disease is good to fair and depends on the patient's response to therapy. Unfortunately, invasive types have a poor prognosis as only about 25%-60% may respond to therapy and many patients relapse. Also, over long-term therapy, the fungi may develop resistance to some antifungals.
Is it possible to prevent Aspergillus?
It is possible to reduce the risk of Aspergillus infections, especially in people with weak immune systems, by avoiding activities that cause dust and mold to become airborne, like mowing grass. Mold removal (in home or workplace) by certified technicians may reduce risk. Isolation precautions for transplant patients and others when white blood cell levels are very low may also reduce risk. Some people with suppressed immune systems may take antifungal medications prophylactically, meaning that they are given to prevent infection.
Subscribe to MedicineNet's General Health Newsletter
By clicking Submit, I agree to the MedicineNet's Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet's subscriptions at any time.
Top Aspergillus Infection (Aspergillosis) Related Articles
Fever
Although a fever technically is any body temperature above the normal of 98.6 F (37 C), in practice, a person is usually not considered to have a significant fever until the temperature is above 100.4 F (38 C). Fever is part of the body's own disease-fighting arsenal; rising body temperatures apparently are capable of killing off many disease-producing organisms.Allergy (Allergies)
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.CT Scan (Computerized Tomography)
A CT scan is an X-ray procedure that combines many X-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional and three-dimensional images of internal organs and structures of the body. A CT scan is a low-risk procedure. Contrast material may be injected into a vein or the spinal fluid to enhance the scan.Chest X-Ray
Chest X-Ray is a type of X-Ray commonly used to detect abnormalities in the lungs. A chest X-ray can also detect some abnormalities in the heart, aorta, and the bones of the thoracic area. A chest X-ray can be used to define abnormalities of the lungs such as excessive fluid (fluid overload or pulmonary edema), fluid around the lung (pleural effusion), pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, cysts, and cancers.Chronic Cough
Chronic cough is a cough that does not go away and is generally a symptom of another disorder such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinus infection, cigarette smoking, GERD, postnasal drip, bronchitis, pneumonia, medications, and less frequently tumors or other lung disease.Chronic cough treatment is based on the cause, but may be soothed natural and home remedies.
Fungal Skin Infections: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment
Fungal skin infections and fungal nail infections produce symptoms like red, itchy, circular rashes and thick, discolored, flaky nails. Fungal infection treatment may involve topical medication or oral antifungals.Headache
Headaches can be divided into two categories: primary headaches and secondary headaches. Migraine headaches, tension headaches, and cluster headaches are considered primary headaches. Secondary headaches are caused by disease. Headache symptoms vary with the headache type. Over-the-counter pain relievers provide short-term relief for most headaches.Cough: 19 Tips on How to Stop a Cough
Coughing is a reflex that helps a person clear their airways of irritants. There are many causes of an excessive or severe cough including irritants like cigarette and secondhand smoke, pollution, air fresheners, medications like beta blockers and ACE inhibitors, the common cold, GERD, lung cancer, and heart disease.Natural and home remedies to help cure and soothe a cough include staying hydrated, gargle salt water, use cough drops or lozenges, use herbs and supplements like ginger, mint, licorice, and slippery elm, and don't smoke. Over-the-counter products (OTC)to cure and soothe a cough include cough suppressants and expectorants, and anti-reflux drugs. Prescription drugs that help cure a cough include narcotic medications, antibiotics, inhaled steroids, and anti-reflux drugs like proton pump inhibitors or PPIs, for example, omeprazole (Prilosec), rabeprazole (Aciphex), and pantoprazole (Protonix).Mold Exposure
Mold exposure may cause symptoms in people who are sensitive to molds. Symptoms of mold allergy include sneezing, runny nose, wheezing, coughing, redness of the eyes, and rash. Prevent mold growth by keeping indoor humidity low, between 30%-50%, using bathroom fans when showering, repairing plumbing leaks quickly, and using an air conditioner during humid seasons.Pneumonia
Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses. Symptoms and signs include cough, fever, shortness of breath, and chills. Antibiotics treat pneumonia, and the choice of the antibiotic depends upon the cause of the infection.Tuberculosis (TB)
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB). Symptoms and signs of TB include bloody sputum, fever, cough, weight loss, and chest pain. Treatment depends upon the type of TB infection.