Aspergillosis is an infection caused by the mold genus Aspergillus. It usually affects the respiratory system. The Aspergillus mold that causes it is very common, both indoors and outdoors. Most strains of the fungus are harmless, but a few can cause serious illnesses such as aspergillosis. People with a weakened immune system or asthma are particularly at risk.
Here you will find further information and selected aspergillosis specialists and centers.
In some people, mold triggers an allergic reaction. Others develop a mild or serious lung infection. The most dangerous form of aspergillosis spreads to the blood vessels and continues to spread through them.
The signs and symptoms of aspergillosis vary depending on the type of aspergillosis.
People with asthma and cystic fibrosis may have an allergic reaction to Aspergillus. Signs and symptoms of this condition, known as allergic aspergillosis, include
In this form of aspergillosis, fungal tangles grow in the lungs. It mainly develops in people with pre-existing lung problems, such as
Symptoms do not appear suddenly. However, the following symptoms can develop over time, which may indicate aspergillosis:
The most severe form of aspergillosis is invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. In this case, the infection spreads quickly via the lungs to other organs.
People with a weakened immune system, such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, are particularly at risk.
Invasive aspergillosis can cause the following symptoms:
Patients with asthma or cystic fibrosis should consult a doctor as soon as there are any changes in their symptoms.
People with a weakened immune system should
be alarmed.
In the case of invasive aspergillosis, timely treatment is of the utmost importance. It is usually initiated as a precautionary measure even before aspergillosis has been definitively diagnosed.
Aspergillus mold - the trigger of aspergillosis - is very widespread. Outside, it can be found on falling leaves, compost, plants, trees and grain.
Indoors, it can be spread via the ventilation system, on heaters, insulation, but also in food and spices. Mold that causes aspergillosis is very common in homes. People can contract aspergillosis if a house is demolished nearby.
Different types of Aspergillus mold on a corn cob © dule964 | AdobeStock
However, this mold is not a problem for people with a normally functioning immune system. The immune system recognizes the spores and destroys them.
However, people with a weakened immune system are at risk. The spores can then settle and cause aspergillosis.
Aspergillosis cannot be transmitted from person to person.
The risk of infection depends on
In general, there are the following risk factors that favor the development of aspergillosis:
This is the biggest risk factor for invasive aspergillosis. This includes
White blood cells play an important role in fighting infections, including aspergillosis. Too few white blood cells make the body more susceptible to invasive aspergillosis. This often affects people
Asthma and cystic fibrosis increase the risk of an allergic reaction to Aspergillus. As a result, those affected develop aspergillosis more frequently.
Ankylosingspondylitis is a very rare rheumatic lung disease that affects the spine. People with this disease - especially male smokers - are more likely to develop aspergillosis.
Prolonged use of cortisone increases the risk of many infections, including aspergillosis.
Aspergillus occurs more frequently in hospitals. Weakened people are therefore also at risk of contracting aspergillosis here.
Depending on the type of aspergillosis, a number of serious complications can occur.
Aspergillosis in the paranasal sinuses can spread to the facial bones and destroy these bones. Aspergillosis can also spread behind these bones and become life-threatening.
Both allergic aspergillosis and invasive aspergillosis can cause serious bleeding in the lungs.
The most serious complication of invasive aspergillosis is the spread of the infection to other parts of the body, such as
Invasive aspergillosis can spread very quickly if it is not treated quickly.
Most people who contract aspergillosis are already being treated for other illnesses. If new symptoms appear, contact your treating doctor quickly.
If you consult a new doctor, bring the necessary information about your illnesses with you. This also includes a list of the medication you are taking. Since a diagnosis of aspergillosis can lead to admission to the emergency room, you should go to the doctor accompanied by a doctor.
Diagnosing Aspergillus can be difficult. Aspergillus is widespread. Therefore, traces of the mold can also be found in the sputum and saliva of a healthy person.
It is also difficult to distinguish Aspergillus from other fungi. In addition, the symptoms of aspergillosis are similar to those of other diseases, such as tuberculosis.
Various examination methods can provide evidence of aspergillosis. These include the following methods:
X-rays or a CT scan can reveal deposits of mold in the lungs.
Saliva is taken as part of a saliva test. A possible mold can grow rapidly in the laboratory. In this way, the aspergillus can be identified.
Diagnosing allergic aspergillosis usually requires tissue and blood tests. In the skin test, a small amount of Aspergillus antigen is injected into the skin. If the body has already produced antibodies against the mold, the skin will react with redness at this point.
A blood test looks for antibodies in the blood that indicate the presence of mold.
A biopsy involves taking a small piece of tissue from the affected area. This sample is examined under a microscope for traces of the mold.
Depending on the form of aspergillosis, observation of the disease may be sufficient. In other cases, antifungal medicine is used. Surgery is rarely necessary.
Aspergillosis often requires no treatment. If the symptoms are absent or only mild, it is not necessary to fight the mold. This also means that the patient is not exposed to possible side effects.
Instead, regular check-ups are carried out. The doctors only intervene in the event of stagnation or worsening.
The aim of treating allergic aspergillosis is to prevent existing asthma or cystic fibrosis from worsening. This works best with cortisone.
Antifungal medication alone does not resolve the infection, but can be successful in combination with cortisone.
These drugs are the standard treatment for invasive aspergillosis. In the past, amphotericin B was mainly used. Today, agents such as voriconazole are more widely used as they are more effective and have fewer side effects.
However, antifungal drugs can still cause severe side effects. They occur in particular in combination with other medications and in people with a weakened immune system.
Antifungal medication cannot do much in cases of severe fungal infestation in the lungs. Surgical intervention is therefore necessary in severe cases, especially if bleeding starts in the lungs.
As surgery is associated with risks, the doctor may recommend embolization first. This involves using a catheter to access the area of the lung where the mold mass is located.
A special fluid is then administered to block the arteries and stop the bleeding.
This procedure is only a short-term solution for aspergillosis. It does not dissolve the mold.
It is almost impossible to completely avoid Aspergillus. If you have risk factors for infection, try to avoid the obvious sources of Aspergillus:
A face mask can also help to prevent infection with aspergillosis.
