Aspergillus fumigatus is a type of fungus that can cause infections. This fungus is naturally present in soil, swamps, decomposing material and construction sites, which humans frequently come in contact with.
As a result, Aspergillus can be inhaled, although it does not always lead to an infection. It is more likely to develop into a fungal infection in those with a compromised immune system from conditions like HIV, lupus, transplants or medication use.
The main route of infection for Aspergillus is through inhalation, as this fungus can lodge in the lungs and grow. A developing Aspergillus infection can lead to symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath and fever, which can quickly worsen and affect other areas of the body, such as the brain, heart or kidneys, especially when left untreated.
Common symptoms
The main symptoms of an Aspergillus infection are:
- Fever over 100.4ºF or 38ºC
- Coughing up blood or phlegm
- Shortness of breath
- Runny nose
- Difficulty smelling
After inhaling Aspergillus, spores, this fungus can remain in the body without any signs or symptoms.
The symptoms listed above are typically responsive to medication, but are most likely to emerge in people with chronic lung diseases, like asthma or cystic fibrosis.
Types of Aspergillus infections
Aspergillus infections can be classified by where it's found and the severity of the infection:
1. Pulmonary aspergillosis
This is the most common condition to arise from this fungus, and can lead to symptoms like:
- Weight loss
- Persistent cough
- Coughing up blood
- Excessive fatigue
- Shortness of breath.
If left untreated, this lung infection can grow and spread to the blood, reaching other areas of the body. In some cases, the fungus can colonize the lung cavities and form a fungal mass, known as aspergilloma. Once it reaches a significant size, it can cause symptoms like coughing up blood, and can penetrate the blood vessels, leading to invasive aspergillosis.
2. Invasive aspergillosis
This is the most serious type of Aspergillus infection, which is characterized by Aspergillus fungus multiplying in the lungs and spreading to the blood. This type of aspergillosis can present with:
- Fever over 100.4ºF or 38ºC
- Chest pain
- Persistent cough
- Joint pain
- Headache
- Facial swelling
Invasive aspergillosis is more likely to develop in those with a compromised immune system and symptoms can be more difficult to identify.
How it's transmitted
Aspergillus fumigatus fungus is mainly transmitted through the inhalation of spores that are present in the environment. It can also occur due to the inoculation of spores in the cornea.
Although it can be inhaled by anyone, the development of an infection, especially the invasive type, is more frequent in people with a an immune system weakened by an infection, chronic disease (like HIV or lupus), recent transplant or medications (like corticosteroids, chemotherapy or immunosuppressants).
Diagnosing Aspergillus
An Aspergillus infection diagnosis is typically investigated byan infectious disease specialist, pulmonologist or general practitioner, who will start by evaluating the patient's signs and symptoms and health history.
To confirm the presence of this fungus, the doctor can collect a sputum or tissue sample to observe under a microscope, or perform a blood test that detects the presence of antibodies against this fungus.
Treatment options
Treatment for an Aspergillus infection usually begins with the use of antifungal medications, such as itraconazole or Amphotericin B. They work by eliminating excess fungi from the body, helping the immune system control the infection and relieve symptoms.
The doctor may also prescribe corticosteroids, such as budesonide or prednisone, to relieve symptoms more quickly and improve the effect of the antifungal, especially in people with very intense symptoms or with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
In more serious cases of pulmonary or invasive aspergillosis, in which a mass or aspergilloma has developed, the doctor may advise surgical removal of damaged lung tissue.