Aspergillosis is an infection caused by airborne fungi. Totally harmless for the vast majority of people, they can, in the most fragile, cause respiratory problems.
Definition: what is aspergillosis?
Aspergillosis is a infection due to the proliferation of Aspergillus type fungi. Aspergillus are very present in the air in the form of spores. “Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosismore common in patients with cystic fibrosis, presents as asthma resistant to usual treatmentsexplains Dr. Jean-Philippe Santoni, pulmonologist. Invasive aspergillosis is a medical emergency and affects immunocompromised subjects, in particular patients who have undergone a bone marrow transplant, patients undergoing immunosuppressive treatment following a graft organs, patients hospitalized in intensive care, in particular for severe influenza or infection with COVID-19″.
What causes aspergillosis?
In 80% of cases, this condition is due to the species Aspergillus fumigatus. But other strains, like Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus nidulas or Aspergillus versicolor, may also be involved. The Aspergillus type includes more than 300 different mushroom species. They proliferate in moist soils and then find themselves in the air. This is where they can infect humans.
In most cases, the immune system helps fight off the condition. But if the respiratory mucous membranes are altered or the immune system weakened, the risk of developing the disease is greater. This is particularly the case in people withasthma, cystic fibrosis, history of sarcoidosis or tuberculosis, cancer treatment, organ transplantation…
Is aspergillosis contagious?
No, because contamination is mainly by inhalation of spores. It is a fungal infection that does not pass from person to person.
What are the symptoms of aspergillosis?
Bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is the most common form in humans. She is responsible for breathing difficulties, coughing, wheezing and coughing up blood. It sometimes affects the skin, causing redness and other pimples. “Sometimes the infection may be accompanied by fever, chest pain, hemoptysis, significant fatigue and lead to weight loss, especially in invasive forms“, says Dr. Santoni.
What are the tests to detect aspergillosis?
The diagnosis is based on a clinical examination, supplemented by a biological analysis of the serum (serology) after blood test, and cultures of bronchial secretions to search for fungi. “A chest X-ray or CT scanmore accurate, are useful for patients at risk“, adds the pulmonologist.
What is the treatment for aspergillosis?
It is based on taking anti-fungal treatments. However, some types of Aspergillus do not respond well to treatment, and require a drug combination to overcome. At the same time, to improve breathing, taking corticosteroids by spray or by mouth. “On the other hand, the treatment of a invasive aspergillosis is an emergency which must be initiated in a hospital setting“, warns Dr. Santoni.
Is there a vaccine against aspergillosis?
Research is ongoing, but for now, no vaccine exists against this fungal infection.
Can aspergillosis be cured?
Yes, it is possible to cure this infection. But sometimes, drug treatment is not enough: to avoid complications (including intrabronchial haemorrhage), surgical treatment may be considered to remove the aspergilloma (“ball” of mushrooms) present.
Thanks to Dr. Jean-Philippe Santoni, pulmonologist and member of the Breath Foundation.