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 

1. 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
2.