aspergilóz

Aspergillosis is a disease caused by a common mold called Aspergillus. This mold is found everywhere, both indoors and outdoors, and most people breathe in Aspergillus spores daily without getting sick. However, in some individuals, particularly those with weakened immune systems or lung conditions, these spores can cause infection.

The disease can manifest in several ways. Invasive aspergillosis is the most serious form, occurring when the mold invades the bloodstream or internal organs, often in people with severely compromised immunity, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or who have had an organ transplant. Symptoms can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

A less severe form is allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), which occurs in people with asthma or cystic fibrosis. It is an allergic reaction to the mold, leading to inflammation in the lungs and symptoms like wheezing, coughing up mucus, and shortness of breath.

Aspergilloma, also known as a "fungus ball," is another form where Aspergillus grows in a pre-existing cavity in the lung, such as a scar from a past infection like tuberculosis. This usually causes few symptoms unless it grows large enough to cause bleeding.

Diagnosis typically involves medical imaging like X-rays or CT scans, laboratory tests to detect Aspergillus in bodily fluids or tissues, and sometimes biopsies. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the infection and usually involves antifungal medications. Prevention strategies focus on minimizing exposure to mold, especially for at-risk individuals, by maintaining clean living environments and avoiding dusty or moldy areas.