Definition of Aspergillosis

What is Aspergillosis?

Aspergillosis is an infection caused by a fungus called Aspergillus. There are several different kinds of aspergillosis. One kind is allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (also called ABPA), a condition where the fungus causes allergic respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing and coughing, but does not actually invade and destroy tissue in the body. Another kind of aspergillosis is invasive aspergillosis, a disease that usually affects people with weakened immune systems. In this condition, the fungus invades and damages tissues in the body. Invasive aspergillosis most commonly affects the lungs, but Aspergillus can spread throughout the body and also cause infection in other organs.

What is Aspergillus?

Aspergillus is a fungus that is common in the environment. It is found in soil, on plants, and in decaying organic matter. It is also found in household dust and building materials. There are many different species of Aspergillus, but the most common species are Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus. Other species are Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus nidulans, and Aspergillus niger.