Aspergillus Infection (Aspergillosis)

What is aspergillosis?

Aspergillosis is a fungal infection caused by breathing in spores of a common type of mold (fungus) called Aspergillus. Most people do not get sick from the fungus. But it can cause a serious infection in people with weak immune systems, lung problems, or other risk factors.

Aspergillosis does not spread from person to person. 

Symptoms of aspergillosis

Signs and symptoms of aspergillosis may include:

• Cough (which may produce mucus)
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Fatigue (feeling tired)
• Fever (in severe cases)

In some cases, the infection can spread outside of the lungs to other parts of the body, causing other symptoms. 

Causes of aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is caused by the Aspergillus fungus. This fungus is common everywhere but is most often found in dust, moldy places, soil, and dead leaves or plants. 

There are 3 main types of aspergillosis:

• Allergic aspergillosis: This type of aspergillosis occurs when a person has an allergic reaction to the fungus. 
• Aspergilloma: The fungus can cause a mass (fungal ball) to form in a lung.
• Invasive aspergillosis: Aspergillosis can spread from the lungs to other parts of the body. This type is more severe and usually occurs in people with weak immune systems.  

Risk factors for aspergillosis

Your child may be at higher risk for more serious aspergillosis infection if they have:

• A weak immune system or neutropenia
• A serious illness like cancer, sickle cell disease, or HIV
• Recent or current treatments that weaken the immune system, such as organ or stem cell transplant, chemotherapy, or high doses of steroids 
• A lung disorder like cystic fibrosis, asthma, or tuberculosis
• Lung damage 
• A severe respiratory infection

Diagnosis of aspergillosis

Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask about any symptoms.

They will collect samples for lab tests, which may include:

• Fluid from the lungs
• Mucus sample
• Blood sample 

Other tests may include:

• Chest x-ray
• CT scan
• Biopsy of infected tissue 
• Nasal endoscopy, which uses a tiny camera attached to a thin tube to see inside nasal and sinus passages

Treatment of aspergillosis

Your health care provider may prescribe medicines called antifungals. Antifungal medicines used to treat aspergillosis may include:

• Voriconazole 
• Itraconazole 
• Amphotericin B  
• Posaconazole
• Caspofungin 

Other treatments may include:

• Steroids such as prednisone (for allergic aspergillosis)
• Surgery to treat aspergilloma or remove areas of infection

How to prevent aspergillosis

If your child has a weak immune system, it is important to take steps to limit their exposure to Aspergillus:  

• Avoid dusty areas like construction sites 
• Limit contact with soil, dirt, dust, and leaves
• Wear an N95 mask when around dust and mold 
• When outdoors, wear shoes, long pants, and long sleeves
• Wash hands after playing outside
• Use air filters and keep living areas well-ventilated

Questions to ask your care team

• What is my child’s risk for aspergillosis?
• What symptoms of aspergillosis should I watch for?
• What activities should my child avoid? 
• What are ways to reduce exposure to Aspergillus? 
• Does my child need to wear a face mask?
• How is Aspergillus infection treated?

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