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Pulmonary aspergillosis - invasive

Definition

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is an infection of the lungs caused by a fungus.

See also: Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

Alternative Names

Causes

Aspergillosis is caused by the fungus aspergillus, which is commonly found in nature but only rarely causes illness in people.

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is the most serious type of aspergillosis infection. It can affect any organ, particularly the heart, lungs, brain, and kidneys.

People with a weakened immune system (for example, from chemotherapy or HIV) are most likely to develop this kind of infection.

The most common type of immune system problem that causes this infection is a very low white blood cell count over a long period. People who have had chemotherapy or a bone marrow transplant sometimes have this type of problem.

Symptoms

• Chest pain
• Cough
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Shortness of breath
• Unintentional weight loss

Exams and Tests

Listening to the chest with a stethoscope (auscultation) may reveal crackles or a sound made by the inflamed lining of the lung rubbing against the lung (pleural friction rub).

Tests may include:

• Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial biopsy
• CBC
• Chest CT scan
• Chest x-ray
• Open lung biopsy
• Sputum culture and fungal stains

Treatment

The goal of therapy is to treat any immune problems and to control the infection with antifungal medications. In the past, antifungal therapy involved a potentially harmful antibiotic called amphotericin B. Several less toxic drugs have been introduced that work against aspergillus.

If white blood cell counts are too low, the patient usually must reduce or stop immunosuppressive drug therapy and begin treatment with granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (GCSF). This treatment stimulates the body's production of infection-fighting white blood cells.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Patients with the invasive form of pulmonary aspergillosis are usually critically ill. The disease is difficult to cure. Talk to your health care provider about your individual case.

Possible Complications

This infection can damage multiple organs, eventually causing multi-organ system failure.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of this disorder. If you know you have a low white blood cell count and have fevers or symptoms of a respiratory infection, you should immediately tell your health care provider. An early diagnosis may improve the chance of a good outcome.

Prevention

If your immune system isn't working properly because of disease or medications, tell your doctor right away if you see new symptoms.

References

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.