What are the causes and symptoms of aspergillosis?
Aspergillus is a fungus that is found almost everywhere, but particularly in soil, water, decaying vegetation, and stored grain. The fungus has also been cultured from ventilation systems and may be stirred up during building renovations. The species most commonly identified in patients with confirmed disease are A. fumigatus and A. flavus. Airborne Aspergillus spores enter the body primarily through inhalation but can also lodge in the ear or eye. Normally functioning immune systems are generally able to cope without consequent development of aspergillosis. It is important to make distinctions between the various forms of aspergillosis, as the treatment and prognosis varies considerably among types. Aspergillosis as a diagnosis refers to three general forms: • Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is seen in patients with long-standing asthma, particularly in patients taking oral corticosteroids for a long period of time. This is usually the least serious and most treatable f
by MedExpert on November 1st, 2007 At Answerbag, we’re lucky to work with great writers and researchers who help us answer some of your questions. Meet one of them! Aspergillus is a fungus that is found almost everywhere, but particularly in soil, water, decaying vegetation, and stored grain. The fungus has also been cultured from ventilation systems and may be stirred up during building renovations. The species most commonly identified in patients with confirmed disease are A. fumigatus and A. flavus. Airborne Aspergillus spores enter the body primarily through inhalation but can also lodge in the ear or eye. Normally functioning immune systems are generally able to cope without consequent development of aspergillosis. It is important to make distinctions between the various forms of aspergillosis, as the treatment and prognosis varies considerably among types. Aspergillosis as a diagnosis refers to three general forms: • Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is seen in patie
