Aspergillosis
Introduction.
Aspergillosis is an opportunistic fungal infection by Aspergillus
flavus, A. fumigatus and other Aspergillus species. In immunocompromised
individuals such as AIDS this mold can establish a respiratory infection and spread
invasively into adjacent tissues. The main problems associated with Aspergillus
are hypersensitivities and food intoxication (aflatoxin), but invasive disease in
immunocompromised patients represents the greatest mortality.
Summary
- Cause: Aspergillus flavus et al.
- Microscopy: Filamentous septate fungus with conidia
- Transmission: Airborne
- Symptoms: Respiratory distress, blood in sputum, scarring
- Complications: Invasive disease in immunocompromised (AIDS)
- Pathogenesis: Invasive growth of hyphae causing obstruction and
blood clots; hypersensitivity reactions
- Treatment: Surgery, amphothericin B
Links
- http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B758V-48XB93H-5-19&_cdi=12936&_user=696899&_orig=search&_coverDate=08%2F31%2F2003&_sk=999679995&view=c&wchp=dGLbVtz-zSkWz&md5=6443b87d94c0c737bc6dba1f14e2f970&ie=/sdarticle.pdf
-