Virology & Mycology
Open Access

Aspergillus Infection: The Menace of Fungal Pathogen Aspergillus

Jang Go^{* *}Correspondence: Dr. Jang Go, Department of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, Email:

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Description

A family of filamentous fungi known as Aspergillus is frequently observed in the environment, particularly in soil, decaying vegetation and indoor environments. Even though they are frequently non-lethal, some Aspergillus species can infect people and result in a variety of clinical disorders known as aspergillosis. These infections can damage a number of organs and systems, making diagnosis and therapy extremely difficult.

Aspergillus infections

People with reduced immune systems, such as those with impaired respiratory function, organ transplant patients or people with underlying lung problems, are more susceptible to Aspergillus infections. Invasive aspergillosis can also affect other organs such as sinuses, skin, bones and the central nervous system, leading to specific clinical manifestations associated with the affected organ. Through inhalation of airborne spores, which are pervasive in the environment, the fungus penetrates the body. Aspergillus can colonise and infect the respiratory tract if it has already entered, especially the lungs.

Types of aspergillosis

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis: It occurs when individuals with a hypersensitive immune response to Aspergillus spores develop allergic reactions. Symptoms include nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose and itching. It is characterized by asthma-like symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and the production of thick, brownish mucus.

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis: Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA) is a slow and progressive infection of the lungs. It commonly affects individuals with pre-existing lung conditions or compromised immune systems. The clinical manifestations include chronic cough, sputum production, fatigue, weight loss, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and chest pain.

Invasive aspergillosis: The most serious Aspergillus infection, known as Invasive Aspergillosis (IA), generally affects those wh who have significant immunosuppression. Life-threatening consequences result when the fungus enters the bloodstream and spreads to other organs, such as the lungs, brain, liver or kidneys.

Diagnosis and clinical manifestations

Aspergillus infections can be difficult to diagnose since their symptoms frequently resemble those of other respiratory or systemic illnesses. Chronic cough, wheezing, chest discomfort, fever and shortness of breath are typical clinical symptoms. Imaging examinations (such chest X-rays or CT scans), laboratory tests (like sputum culture or serology) and, in some circumstances, invasive procedures like bronchoscopy or tissue biopsy are some examples of diagnostic methods. Pulmonary aspergillosis typically presents as a halo sign on a chest X-ray and a CT scan, followed by an air crescent sign. The galactomannan test can provide a noninvasive diagnosis in hematologic patients with invasive aspergillosis. False-positive Patients receiving intravenous treatment with some antibiotics or fluids containing gluconate or citric acid, such as some transfusion platelets, parenteral nutrition or PlasmaLyte, have tested positive for Aspergillus galactomannan.

Conclusion

Aspergillus infections pose a significant threat to individuals with compromised immune systems, causing a range of clinical conditions. Prompt diagnosis, appropriate treatment and preventive measures are crucial in managing these infections effectively. It can manifest in different forms, including allergic reactions, aspergilloma, Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA) and Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis (IPA). Invasive aspergillosis can also affect other organs. The clinical manifestations of aspergillosis vary depending on the type and severity of the infection. Diagnosing aspergillosis involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging tests, laboratory tests and sometimes tissue biopsies. Antifungal drugs may be used in the course of treatment, depending on the kind and severity of the infection.