General Aspergillus Infections

Question 1

Which Aspergillus spp accounts for more than 90% of most clinical invasive infections?

Answer 1

A. fumigatus

Question 2

What is the pathophysiology of Aspergillus spp?

Answer 2

Produce conidia; once inhaled, growth results in pulmonary inflammation, tissue destruction, and potential dissemination into other organs

Question 3

(T/F) - Invasive Aspergillus is considered an opportunistic infection

Answer 3

TRUE - needs impaired host defense to cause disease

Question 4

What other two Aspergillus spp are common to cause invasive infections?

Answer 4

• A. flavus

- A. niger

Question 5

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (BPA) is caused by which Aspergillus spp?

Answer 5

A. fumigatus

Question 6

How is allergic BPA clinically presented?

Answer 6

• Severe asthma with wheezing
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Malaise
• Chest pain
• Productive cough with blood tinged sputum

Question 7

How is allergic BPA treated?

Answer 7

Itraconazole