What is Aspergillus?
Aspergillus, the mold (a type of fungus) that causes aspergillosis, is very common both indoors and outdoors, so most people breathe in fungal spores every day. It’s probably impossible to completely avoid breathing in some Aspergillus spores. For people with healthy immune systems, breathing in Aspergillus isn’t harmful. However, for people who have weakened immune systems, breathing in Aspergillus spores can cause an infection in the lungs or sinuses which can spread to other parts of the body.
There are approximately 180 species of Aspergillus, but fewer than 40 of them are known to cause infections in humans. Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common cause of human Aspergillus infections. Other common species include A. flavus, A. terreus, and A. niger.
What is this test used for?
Detection of anti-Aspergillus antibodies is essential for the diagnosis of allergic and chronic forms of pulmonary aspergillosis.
The Aspergillus Antibody Screen is used to detect Aspergillus-specific antibodies to determine recent/active infection.
What is Aspergillosis?
Aspergillosis is a fungal infection caused by Aspergillus, a fungus found in homes and outdoors. It’s most commonly found on stored grains, and decaying vegetation such as dead leaves, stored grains, and compost piles. It may also be found on cannabis leaves.
Most people breathe these spores every day without getting sick. However, people who have weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to fungal infections.
This includes people with HIV or cancer and those taking immunosuppressant treatments such as chemotherapy or transplant anti-rejection drugs.
There are two types of aspergillosis people can get from this fungus:
1. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)
This condition causes allergic reactions such as wheezing and coughing, especially in people who have asthma or cystic fibrosis. ABPA affects up to 19 percent of people who have cystic fibrosis.
2. Invasive aspergillosis
Also called pulmonary aspergillosis, this infection can spread throughout the body via the bloodstream. It can damage the lungs, kidneys, heart, brain, and nervous system, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of aspergillosis can vary. For example, one person may have a dry cough. Another may cough up large quantities of blood, which requires urgent medical care.
Aspergillosis symptoms include:
→ shortness of breath
→ wheezing in the chest
→ fever
→ dry cough
→ coughing up blood
→ weakness, fatigue, and a general feeling of malaise
→ unintentional weight loss
The symptoms of aspergillosis are similar to those of cystic fibrosis and asthma. However, people with asthma and cystic fibrosis who develop aspergillosis often get much sicker than people without these conditions. They can experience worsening symptoms, such as:
→ increased lung inflammation
→ decline in lung function
→ increased phlegm, or sputum, production
→ increased wheezing and coughing
→ increased asthma symptoms with exercise
References:
F. Persat and others, Aspergillus antibody detection: diagnostic strategy and technical considerations from the Société Française de Mycologie Médicale (French Society for Medical Mycology) expert committee, Medical Mycology, Volume 55, Issue 3, April 2017, Pages 302–307, https://doi.org/10.1093/mmy/myw078
Links:
https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/aspergillosis/
Aspergillus Antibody Screen
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