Aspergillus fumigatus

As·per·gil·lus fu·mi·ga·tus

a fungal species that yields the antibiotics fumigacin and fumigatin; common cause of aspergillosis in humans and birds.

Aspergillus fumigatus

The fungal species that is the most common cause of human aspergillosis, which may enter via the lungs or less commonly skin, and which may invade blood vessels and disseminate to various organs. Aspergillus spp branch at 45º angle.

Vectors
Soil and organic debris, bird droppings.

Clinical findings
See table below.
Diagnosis
Complement fixation, immunodiffusion.

DiffDx
Pseudallescheria spp, fusariosis.
Pulmonary aspergillosis
• Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis—Hypersensitivity reaction to the fungus and most common in asthmatics.
• Saprophytic aspergillosis (Aspergilloma)—Most common form; noninvasive; colonisation of pre-existing cavities.
• Chronic necrotising aspergillosis—Airway-invasive aspergillosis; semi-invasive aspergillosis; chronic cavitary pneumonic disease (often affects patients with preexisting chronic lung disease).
• Angioinvasive aspergillosis—Affects immunocompromised patients and is often fatal.