Strategies for control and prevention of invasive aspergillosis

Aspergillus fumigatus is the most frequent species causing invasive aspergillosis (IA); disease that is associated with high mortality in high-risk patients, like immunocompromised or neutropenic cases. Despite the application of antifungal therapy, the incidence of invasive aspergillosis has remarkably increased in recent decades; therefore the studies of the control and prevention of invasive aspergillosis in such patients are highly required.In current review paper, the databases of Pubmed, Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Irandoc, Iranmedex, Magiran, SID and MEDLIB were search thoroughly. MeSH key words in our searches included the Aspergillus species, invasive aspergillosis, prevention, control, and chemoprophylaxis. The related articles, published during 2000-2014, were extracted and retrospectively studied.As a saprophytic fungi, Aspergillus species are common contaminants of starchy foods and grow in or on many plants and trees. Accordingly, several outbreaks of invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients have been associated with construction and/or renovation activities in around hospitals. Aspergillus species has a worldwide distribution. This probably results from the production of numerous airborne conidia, which easily disperse by air movements and possibly by insects. Therefore early diagnosis, identification and treatments of invasive aspergillosis could be difficult.The immunocompromised patients or cases with underlying lung disorders are highly susceptible to invasive aspergillosis and the presence of Aspergillus in the air is a major risk factor for such patients. Therefore understanding of the pathogenicity, control and treatments of this infection in hospitals, as well as providing insights into prophylaxis, are important issues.