User:Mr. Ibrahem/Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is a fungal disease caused by Aspergillus, a common mold. There are several types including: allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), inflammation of the lungs and allergic symptoms without infection; aspergilloma, an area of fungus in the lungs or sinuses; chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA), formation of a cavity within the lungs from infection; allergic sinusitis; and infection of the skin. Symptoms depend on the type of disease.

The most frequently involved species are Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus. Most people breath in Aspergillus spores daily without getting sick. Illness generally only occurs in people with lung diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, COPD, sarcoidosis, or tuberculosis; or those with poor immune function such as during chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, HIV/AIDS, or long term use of steroids. It does not spread between people. Diagnosis may involve medical imaging, tissue biopsy, or blood tests.

Treatment of allergic disease of the lungs or sinuses may involve the use of itraconazole and steroids. An aspergilloma may be managed with surgery or antifungal medications. Invasive disease may be treated with voriconazole, amphotericin B, or posaconazole. Among those with invasive disease, death may occur as a result in 25 to 60%.

Aspergillosis is uncommon. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is estimated to affect about 2.5 million people while chronic pulmonary aspergillosis affects about 3 million globally. Outbreaks of disease have been documented in hospitals. Invasive forms of disease are estimated to result in around 600,000 deaths a year. It can affect birds and other animals. The mold was first described in 1729 by Pier Antonio Micheli, an Italian priest.