Aspergillosis overview: Difference between revisions
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===Surgery=== | ===Surgery=== | ||
Surgery is required for the treatment of a fungus ball. [[Endocarditis]] caused by Aspergillus is treated by surgically removing the infected [[heart valve]]s. Long-term antifungal therapy is also needed. | Surgery is required for the treatment of a fungus ball. [[Endocarditis]] caused by Aspergillus is treated by surgically removing the infected [[heart valve]]s. Long-term antifungal therapy is also needed. | ||
===Primary Prevention=== | |||
The main way to prevent aspergillosis is to avoid exposure to the aspergillus fungus. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 20:31, 12 December 2012
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Aspergillosis Microchapters |
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Treatment |
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Aspergillosis overview On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]
Overview
Aspergillosis is the name given to a wide variety of diseases caused by the genus of fungi Aspergillus. The most common forms are allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, pulmonary aspergilloma and invasive aspergillosis. Compromised immune systems often allow Aspergillus to colonize.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Aspergillosis has been the culprit in several recent rapid die-offs among waterfowl. From December 8-14, 2006 over 2,000 Mallards died in the Burley, Idaho area, an agricultural community approximately 150 miles southeast of Boise. Moldy waste grain from the farmland and feedlots in the area is the suspected source. A similar aspergillosis outbreak killed 500 mallards in Iowa in 2005. Moldy grain was the cause in that case.
Causes
Aspergillus is common in the environment, so most people breathe in the fungal spores every day. It is probably impossible to completely avoid breathing in some Aspergillus spores. For people with healthy immune systems, this does not cause harm, and the immune system is able to get rid of the spores. But for people with weakened immune systems, breathing in Aspergillus spores can lead to infection. Studies have shown that invasive aspergillosis can occur during building renovation or construction. Outbreaks of Aspergillus skin infections have been traced to contaminated biomedical devices. Aspergillosis cannot be spread from person to person or between people and animals. [1]
Risk Factors
Persons with a compromised immune system are at highest risk for developing a fungal infection like aspergillosis. In rare cases, a person with a normal immune system can also become infected.
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
With treatment, people with allergic aspergillosis usually gets better over time. Relapse is common and needs repeated treatment. It could be fatal if un-responsive to treatment. Prognosis also depends on the patients immune status.
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
A fungus ball in the lungs may cause no symptoms and may be discovered only with a chest x-ray. Or it may cause repeated coughing up of blood and—rarely—severe, even fatal, bleeding. A rapidly invasive Aspergillus infection in the lungs often causes cough, fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
Aspergillosis affecting the deeper tissues makes a person very ill. Symptoms include fever, chills, shock, delirium, and blood clots. The person may develop kidney failure, liver failure (causing jaundice), and breathing difficulties. Death can occur quickly.
Aspergillosis of the ear canal causes itching and occasionally pain. Fluid draining overnight from the ear may leave a stain on the pillow. Aspergillosis of the sinuses causes a feeling of congestion and sometimes pain or discharge.
Chest X Ray
On a Chest X-ray, pulmonary aspergillosis classically manifests as an air crescent sign.[2]
Treatment
Surgery
Surgery is required for the treatment of a fungus ball. Endocarditis caused by Aspergillus is treated by surgically removing the infected heart valves. Long-term antifungal therapy is also needed.
Primary Prevention
The main way to prevent aspergillosis is to avoid exposure to the aspergillus fungus.
References
- ↑ http://www.cdc.gov/fungal/aspergillosis/causes.html
- ↑ Curtis A, Smith G, Ravin C (1979). "Air crescent sign of invasive aspergillosis". Radiology. 133 (1): 17–21. PMID 472287. Unknown parameter
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