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Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
Published on: March 9, 2018
[Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis]
P Gianella1, P Gasche-Soccal, C van Delden
1Départment de chirurgie, HUG, Genève. pietro.gianella@hcuge.ch
Abstract:
Aspergillus pulmonary infection causes a spectrum of diverse diseases according to host immunity. The two major entities are invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis. The later can be divided into aspergilloma, then into chronic cavitary, more or less fibrosing aspergillosis, and finally into chronic necrotizing aspergillosis, or semiinvasive aspergillosis. The present article reviews this complex classification, which is necessary to reflect the diverse clinical aspect of the disease. Allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), which is more a hypersensitivity reaction than an infectious process, will not be discussed here.
Insights
Pulmonary aspergillosis presents as invasive or chronic forms, each with distinct subtypes based on host immunity. Understanding this complex classification is key to managing diverse Aspergillus-related lung diseases.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Aspergillus species are common airborne fungi.
- Pulmonary infections vary significantly based on host immune status.
- Accurate classification is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose:
- To review the complex classification of pulmonary aspergillosis.
- To differentiate between invasive and chronic forms of the disease.
- To outline the spectrum of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis.
Summary:
- Pulmonary aspergillosis encompasses invasive and chronic presentations.
- Chronic forms include aspergilloma, chronic cavitary, fibrosing, and chronic necrotizing (semiinvasive) aspergillosis.
- Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is excluded from this review.
Impact:
- Provides a framework for understanding diverse clinical manifestations.
- Aids clinicians in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Highlights the importance of host immunity in disease presentation.
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