Invasive Aspergillosis: Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Treatment

Aspergillosis is a fungal infection caused by a species of mold Aspergillus, which is present worldwide. More than 180 different Aspergillus species have been identified, and more are being discovered. The infections caused by aspergillosis primarily affect the respiratory system, but their symptoms and severity vary widely.

Aspergillus species cause a wide range of disorders, including allergic syndrome, sinus or cavity colonization, and acute or subacute and chronic invasive infections. Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a serious disease that kills many people with hematological malignancies and transplant recipients. It occurs when an infection quickly spreads from the lungs to the brain, heart, kidneys, or skin. Invasive aspergillosis

occurs only in persons whose immune systems have been compromised by cancer chemotherapy, bone marrow transplantation, or other immune system disorder. This type of aspergillosis can be fatal if left untreated.

Signs And Symptoms Of Invasive Aspergillosis

 Fever and chills

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Cough with blood

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Chest pain

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Joint pain

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Headache

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Eye symptoms

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Skin problems

Risk Factors For Invasive Aspergillosis

Weakened immune system: People taking immune-suppressing drugs following transplant surgery, particularly bone marrow or stem cell transplants, or who have specific blood malignancies are most susceptible to invasive aspergillosis. People in the later stages of AIDS may also be at higher risk.

Low white blood cell level: Chemotherapy, organ transplantation, and leukemia patients have reduced white cell counts, making them more prone to invasive aspergillosis. Chronic granulomatous disease, a hereditary illness that damages immune system cells, also increases the risk for IA.

Lung Cavities: People with air spaces (cavities) in their lungs are more likely to develop aspergillomas.

Asthma or cystic fibrosis: People with asthma and cystic fibrosis are more prone to develop an allergic reaction to Aspergillus mold, especially if their lung issues are chronic or difficult to control.

Long-term steroid therapy: Long-term corticosteroid treatment may raise the risk of opportunistic infections, depending on the underlying condition and other medicines administered.

Treatment For Invasive Aspergillosis

Generally, simple aspergillomas rarely require treatment, and drugs are rarely useful in treating these fungal tumors. Typically, patients with invasive aspergillosis are observed for symptoms first. A chest Xray may be used to closely monitor asymptomatic aspergillomas in the lungs. If the illness worsens, antifungal drugs and other medicines may be prescribed.

Oral Corticosteroids: The goal of treating allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is to prevent the aggravation of existing asthma or cystic fibrosis. Oral corticosteroids are the most effective approach to accomplish this. Antifungal drugs alone aren't effective for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, but they can be used with corticosteroids to lower the dose of steroids and improve lung function.

Antifungal medications: These medications are the standard of care for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Voriconazole, a newer antifungal medication, is the most successful treatment. Another alternative is amphotericin B. All antifungal medications have the potential for major adverse effects, including kidney and liver damage. Interactions between antifungal medications and other treatments are very common.

Surgery: Antifungal drugs do not penetrate an aspergilloma (fungus mass or ball), hence, surgery is the preferred treatment to remove the fungus mass when an aspergilloma can cause pulmonary bleeding.

Embolization: This technique stops aspergilloma-induced lung bleeding. A radiologist inserts a catheter into an artery feeding a lung cavity where an aspergilloma is causing blood loss. The injected substance hardens, obstructing blood flow to the location and halting the bleeding. This treatment is temporary, but the bleeding is likely to resume.

Cresemba 100 mg Capsule is an antifungal medication containing the active constituent isavuconazole. It is used to treat fungal infections such as Invasive aspergillosis and Invasive mucormycosis. Cresemba 100 mg stops the growth of the fungus by disrupting the biosynthesis of ergosterol (an important component of the fungal cell membrane).

For more article read fungal skin infection