Fungal Infections of Respiratory Tracts - Section 2

Aspergilloma is the most familiar form of the localized infections produced by Aspergillus species. Fungus ball usually forms in patients with residual lung cavities following tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, bronchiectasis, pneumoconiosis, and ankylosing spondylitis or where there is a neoplasm of the lungs. Fungus balls usually are located in the upper lobes. Patients are often asymptomatic but may present with chronic cough, malaise, and weight loss. Hemoptysis is the most common symptom.
Chronic Necrotizing Aspergillosis usually occurs in middle-aged or older men with chronic or previously treated lung disease such as tuberculosis. The most common symptom include fever, productive cough, malaise, and weight loss, often lasting for months before diagnosis.
The number of cases of various forms of Invasive Infections have increased markedly over the past few years. Although the lung is the most common site of infection, Aspergillosis can disseminate to virtually any body site, and indeed the true extent of this spread is often only apparent at autopsy. Invasive Aspergillosis is almost always seen in the setting of the immunocompromised host and is often fatal, even if diagnosed during life and treated.