About Aspergillosis

What is Aspergillosis?

Aspergillosis is caused by breathing in small spores of Aspergillus mould. This family of moulds can be found in a wide range of environments, including rotting leaves, compost, crops and other plants, and trees. These moulds can also grow inside buildings, in air conditioning and heating systems, insulation material, carpets, pillows and bedding, dust, household plants, ground pepper, and spices. Only a few of these moulds can cause illness in humans and animals.

Most people are naturally immune and do not develop diseases caused by Aspergillus.  For those who inhale Aspergillus mould and have a healthy immune system, the body will usually isolate and destroy it before it can spread to your lungs. However, for those with damaged lungs or weakened immune systems, breathing in the spores can lead to disease, which can occur in several different forms. The condition is not contagious and can not be passed between people or animals.

The types of diseases caused by Aspergillus vary, ranging from an allergy to life-threatening, generalised infections. Diseases caused by Aspergillus are called aspergillosis. The severity of aspergillosis is determined by various factors, but one of the most important is the state of the person’s immune system.

Follow the links below for further information about the types of aspergillosis.

Types of aspergillosis infection:

• • IA – invasive aspergillosis
  • CPA – chronic pulmonary aspergillosis
  • FRS – fungal rhinosinusitis
  • Ear, eye and nail infections caused by Aspergillus

Types of Aspergillus allergy:

• • ABPA – allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
  • SAFS – severe asthma with fungal sensitivity
  • Fungal sensitisation from a damp home