Aspergillosis

Definition

Aspergillosis is an infection or allergic response due to the aspergillus fungus.

Alternative Names

Aspergillus infection

Causes

Aspergillosis is caused by a fungus called aspergillus. The fungus is often found growing on dead leaves, stored grain, compost piles, or in other decaying vegetation. It can also be found on marijuana leaves.

Although most people are often exposed to aspergillus, infections caused by the fungus rarely occur in people who have a healthy immune system.

There are several forms of aspergillosis:

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the type of infection.

Symptoms of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis may include:

Other symptoms depend on the part of the body affected, and may include:

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider will perform a physical examination and ask about the symptoms.

Tests to diagnose aspergillus infection include:

Treatment

A fungus ball is usually not treated with antifungal medicines unless there is bleeding into the lung tissue. In such a case, surgery and medicines are needed.

Invasive aspergillosis is treated with several weeks of an antifungal medicine. It can be given by mouth or IV (into a vein). Endocarditis caused by aspergillus is treated by surgically replacing the infected heart valves. Long-term antifungal medicines are also needed.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is treated with medicines that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressive medicines), such as prednisone, typically in conjunction with antifungals.

Outlook (Prognosis)

With treatment, people with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis usually get better over time. It is common for the disease to come back (relapse) and need repeat treatment.

If invasive aspergillosis does not get better with treatment using medicine, it eventually leads to death. The outlook for invasive aspergillosis also depends on the person's underlying disease and immune system health.

Possible Complications

Health problems from the disease or treatment include:

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you develop symptoms of aspergillosis or if you have a weakened immune system and develop a fever.

Prevention

Precautions should be taken when using medicines that suppress the immune system.

References

Thompson GR, Patterson TF. Aspergillus species. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 257.

Walsh TJ, Patterson TF. Aspergillosis. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 311.



Review Date: 5/19/2023
Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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