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Updated: May 29, 2026
09:52
Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
Published on: March 9, 2018
Pulmonary aspergillosis: a clinical review
M Kousha1, R Tadi, A O Soubani
1Division of Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Harper University Hospital, 3990 John R, Detroit, MI 48201, USA. asoubani@med.wayne.edu
Summary
Aspergillus lung disease, including invasive aspergillosis and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, presents diverse risks based on immune status. Advances in diagnostics and antifungals are improving outcomes for these Aspergillus infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Aspergillus is a mould causing infectious and allergic lung diseases, with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis primarily affecting severely immunocompromised individuals.
- Risk factors for Aspergillus lung disease are expanding due to increased numbers of patients with malignancy, organ transplants, autoimmune conditions, and critical illness.
- Chronic lung diseases and mild immunodeficiency are associated with chronic necrotising aspergillosis, while aspergilloma occurs in pre-existing lung cavities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolving epidemiology and risk factors of major Aspergillus lung disease manifestations.
- To update on clinical presentations that suggest Aspergillus-related lung conditions.
- To discuss current diagnostic and management strategies for Aspergillus syndromes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of Aspergillus lung disease.
- Synthesis of current data on invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, chronic necrotising aspergillosis, aspergilloma, and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.
- Focus on evolving diagnostic tools and antifungal therapies.
Main Results:
- Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis incidence is rising in immunocompromised populations, including those with malignancy and organ transplants.
- New noninvasive tests and improved antifungal agents have led to reduced mortality rates for invasive aspergillosis.
- Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is linked to atopy, asthma, and cystic fibrosis, representing a hypersensitivity reaction.
Conclusions:
- Aspergillus lung disease encompasses a spectrum of conditions influenced by host immunity and lung structure.
- Early recognition of clinical manifestations and prompt diagnosis are crucial for effective management.
- Advances in diagnostics and therapeutics offer improved prognoses for patients with Aspergillus-related lung infections.
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