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Efficient Method for Imaging Murine Lungs that Preserves Spatial Dynamics of Fungal Spores in the Airways
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Tracheobronchial manifestations of Aspergillus infections

Rafal Krenke1, Elzbieta M Grabczak

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Pneumonology and Allergology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland. rkrenke@wum.edu.pl

Thescientificworldjournal
|December 24, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Aspergillus spores can cause lung infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. This review details invasive Aspergillus airway diseases in different patient groups, including transplant recipients and those with hematologic malignancies.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Human lungs are exposed to Aspergillus spores daily.
  • While typically harmless to healthy individuals, these spores can cause disease in those with weakened immune systems.
  • Tracheobronchial aspergillosis, an infection of the airways, can manifest as saprophytic, allergic, or invasive disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the spectrum of tracheobronchial aspergillosis.
  • To focus on invasive Aspergillus airway infections.
  • To differentiate clinical courses and prognoses based on predisposing conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on tracheobronchial aspergillosis.
  • Categorization of invasive Aspergillus airway diseases by patient risk groups.
  • Discussion of clinical presentation, course, and prognosis within these groups.

Main Results:

  • Invasive Aspergillus tracheobronchial infections present differently across patient populations.
  • Risk factors significantly influence the clinical course and outcomes.
  • Three main patient groups are identified: lung transplant recipients, highly immunocompromised patients (hematologic malignancies/stem cell transplant), and less immunocompromised/immunocompetent individuals.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the specific patient context is crucial for managing invasive Aspergillus airway infections.
  • Prognosis varies significantly based on the degree of immune compromise and underlying condition.
  • Comprehensive management requires tailored approaches for different risk groups.
Keywords:
AspergillusAspergillus tracheobronchitisallergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)fungal tracheobronchitisinvasive Aspergillus pulmonary diseasesmucoid impactionobstructing bronchial aspergillosispseudomembranous tracheobronchitistracheobronchial aspergillosisulcerative tracheobronchitis

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