Aspergillosis

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Definition

The aspergillus species includes more than 150 types of mold that occur widely in the indoor and outdoor environment. Although most of the molds are harmless, a few can cause serious illnesses in people with a weakened immune system, underlying lung disease or asthma. These illnesses, collectively called aspergillosis, range from allergic responses to severe and sometimes fatal infections.

Aspergillosis begins when susceptible people inhale mold spores into their lungs. In some people, the spores trigger an allergic reaction. Other people develop mild to serious lung infections. The most deadly form of aspergillosis — invasive aspergillosis — occurs when the infection spreads beyond the lungs to other organs. Even when discovered and treated early, invasive aspergillosis is often fatal.

Aspergillosis infections are treated with antifungal agents, though not always successfully and often with serious side effects. In 2005, British researchers cracked the genetic code of aspergillus molds. The hope is that this knowledge will lead to better ways of diagnosing and treating aspergillosis.

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Symptoms