Aspergillus

Question 1

What is aspergillosis?

Answer 1

It is an infection that is caused by the fungi aspergillus.
It does not commonly present in healthy immunocompetent patients but with immunosuppressive patients.

Question 2

Where does it normally infect?

Answer 2

It is usually a lung infection, but it can spread to the brain, GI tract, and other organs, making it potentially fatal.

Question 3

What are the virulence factors for aspergillus fungi?

Answer 3

Adhesins.
Pigment hydrolytic enzymes - proteases, phospholipids, ribonucleases and restrictocin.
They can also produce spores.

Question 4

How is aspergillus diagnosed, using non-structural tests?

Answer 4

It can frequently be picked up on chest X-rays and CT scans, giving masses in the lungs - halo signs can be seen on X-rays.
This is then usually taken for biopsy where a stain can be performed.

Question 5

What is the stain like for aspergillus?

Answer 5

There are spores present with hyphae (rod-like structures).

Question 6

What are the structural tests for aspergillus?

Answer 6

Beta-D-Glucan test to look for the polysaccharide cell wall (also shows candida).
Glacatomannan - released from fungal cells walls during aspergillus growth.
PCR for certain genes of aspergillus.

Question 7

What is the treatment for aspergillus?

Answer 7

Intravenous amphotericin.

Question 8

What are the symptoms of aspergillosis?

Answer 8

Shortness of breath.
Cough and wheezing.
Fever.
Chest pain and headache.