Aspergillosis
Alternate Names : Aspergillus Infection
Aspergillosis refers to any infection with a fungus called Aspergillus.
What is going on in the body?
The Aspergillus fungus is everywhere in the environment. It does not usually cause disease in healthy persons. Most cases of aspergillosis involve the lungs, but other parts of the body may be affected.
Aspergillus infection causes the body to produce an inflammatory response, or the lungs to have an allergic response.
What are the causes and risks of the infection?
Aspergillosis can occur in anyone, but there are three groups of people who are most likely to get the infection:
those with immune system problems, such as a person with AIDS or cancer
those with old lung damage, usually from a tuberculosis lung infection or a genetic disease called cystic fibrosis
those with long-standing asthma, who may be allergic to Aspergillus or have an asthma attack when exposed to Aspergillus
The main risks of the disease are worsening lung damage, respiratory problems, and even death.
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