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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffAspergillosis is a group of illnesses caused by mold. The mold that triggers the illnesses, aspergillus, 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 serious form of aspergillosis — invasive aspergillosis — occurs when the infection spreads to blood vessels and beyond, into the lungs to other organs.
Depending on the type of aspergillosis, treatment may involve watchful waiting, antifungal medications or, in rare cases, surgery.
- Stevens DA. Aspergillosis. In: Goldman L, et al., eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/126486890-3/0/1492/0.html. Accessed March 15, 2009.
- Aspergillosis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/dfbmd/disease_listing/aspergillosis_gi.html. Accessed March 15, 2009.
- Davies SF, et al. Fungal infections. In: Mason RJ, et al. Murray & Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: W.B. Saunders; 2005. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/126486890-4/817667210/1288/304.html#4-u1.0-B0-7216-0327-0..50037-9--cesec55_2038. Accessed March 15, 2009.
- Handa S. Aspergillosis. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/126486890-5/817668274/1701/64.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-04134-8..50004-5--subchapter59_1265. Accessed March 15, 2009.
- Rosenow EC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 20, 2009.
