Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is an infection caused by fungi of the ascomycete genus Aspergillus, mostly Aspergillus fumigatus. Disease sites are the skin, the ears, sinuses and lungs. The latter is affected most often. Rarely, metastases in the heart, kidney and the central nervous system are formed.

Forms of aspergillosis

Depending on the existing immune status five types can be distinguished:

Aspergillosis was first described in the late 19th century as pulmonary aspergillosis.

Aspergillosis also occurs in animals. So she is one of the most common causes of death in parrots that are kept as pets. Also, lack of breeding success at storks are due to aspergillosis.

Diagnosis

In the radiograph and CT pulmonary aspergillosis manifests as the air crescent sign a ( crescent sign). The laboratory detection of recombinant Aspergillus allergens rAspf4 and rAspf6 is highly specific for ABPA.

Treatment / therapy / treatment

According to the manifestation types, therapy designed differently. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is treated with corticosteroids and allergen avoidance. Aspergilloma be excised surgically. The Aspergillus pneumonia and extrapulmonary aspergillosis treated systemically with the antifungals amphotericin B and flucytosine.