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Aspergillosis
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Infections

Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is a fungal disease caused by Aspergillus, typically affecting individuals with pre-existing lung conditions or weakened immune systems.

Overview

Aspergillosis is a disease caused by a fungus (or mold) called Aspergillus. The fungus is very common both indoors and outdoors. Most people breathe in the spores of the fungus every day without being affected. But some people get the disease. It usually occurs in people with lung diseases or weakened immune systems.

Types of Aspergillosis

  • Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA): Symptoms include wheezing and coughing. ABPA can affect healthy people but it is most common in people with asthma or cystic fibrosis.
  • Invasive aspergillosis: This form damages tissues in the body. It usually affects the lungs but can cause infection in other organs and spread throughout the body. It affects people who have immune system problems, such as people who have had a transplant, are taking high doses of steroids, or are getting chemotherapy for some cancers.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Your doctor might do a variety of tests to make the diagnosis, including a chest x-ray, CT scan of the lungs, and an examination of tissues for signs of the fungus. Treatment is with antifungal drugs. If you have ABPA, you may also take steroids.

Frequently Asked Questions

Invasive aspergillosis primarily affects individuals with severely weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy for leukemia or other cancers, those who have received bone marrow or organ transplants, or those taking high-dose corticosteroids. The risk is highest during periods of low white blood cell counts (neutropenia) and can persist throughout the duration of immunosuppressive therapy. Patients in these groups are often monitored closely for respiratory symptoms and may require prophylactic antifungal medication in high-risk settings.
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of imaging and laboratory tests. While a chest X-ray may show general inflammation, a high-resolution CT scan is far more sensitive for detecting the specific nodules or "halo sign" associated with invasive aspergillosis. Laboratory tests include blood cultures, though they are often negative in invasive cases, and specific antigen tests like galactomannan. For definitive diagnosis, a biopsy of the lung tissue may be required to visualize the fungal hyphae under a microscope and confirm the presence of the fungus.
While both conditions cause wheezing and coughing, ABPA often presents with new or worsening asthma symptoms that do not respond well to usual asthma medications. Other specific indicators include the production of thick, brownish mucus plugs, unexplained low-grade fevers, and chest pain. If you have asthma and notice a sudden decline in lung function or new symptoms like fatigue and weight loss, a doctor may order specific blood tests for Aspergillus antibodies to rule out ABPA.
Treatment for invasive aspergillosis usually requires a prolonged course of intravenous antifungal drugs, often followed by oral maintenance therapy for months or even years, depending on immune recovery. Common side effects of these medications can include changes in liver function, kidney stress, and electrolyte imbalances. Patients must undergo regular blood tests to monitor organ function and report any signs of liver or kidney trouble, such as jaundice or changes in urine output, to their healthcare provider immediately.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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