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Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
09:52

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis

Published on: March 9, 2018

Aspergillus and the paediatric lung

Elpis Hatziagorou1, Thomas J Walsh, John N Tsanakas

  • 13rd Department of Paediatrics, Aristotle University, Hippokration Hospital, Konstantinoupoleos 49, GR-54642 Thessaloniki, Greece.

Paediatric Respiratory Reviews
|November 3, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Aspergillus lung infections, including ABPA, aspergilloma, and IPA, present diverse clinical syndromes. Diagnosis and treatment strategies vary, with increasing IPA risk in cystic fibrosis patients undergoing advanced therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Aspergillus species cause various lung conditions, from allergic reactions to invasive infections.
  • Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) affects asthma and cystic fibrosis (CF) patients due to fungal hypersensitivity.
  • Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) primarily impacts immunocompromised individuals, including those with hematological malignancies or on immunosuppressive treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the spectrum of Aspergillus-related lung diseases.
  • To discuss diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies for different Aspergillus syndromes.
  • To highlight the evolving risk of IPA in cystic fibrosis patients.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of Aspergillus lung infections.
  • Analysis of clinical presentations, diagnostic tools (serology, molecular biology), and treatment options.
  • Examination of epidemiological trends, particularly concerning cystic fibrosis.

Main Results:

  • ABPA treatment involves corticosteroids and itraconazole; aspergilloma management includes observation or surgery.
  • IPA diagnosis is enhanced by clinical, radiological, and mycological data, especially in pediatric patients.
  • Aggressive therapies for end-stage CF increase the risk of progression from colonization/ABPA to IPA.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of Aspergillus lung infections requires tailored approaches based on the specific syndrome.
  • Voriconazole is a primary treatment for IPA, with other antifungals as alternatives.
  • Increased vigilance for IPA is necessary in CF patients receiving advanced treatments like lung transplantation.

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