Aetiology
Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is an infection caused by Aspergillus species, a type of fungus found in the environment. It is most commonly seen in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS, leukemia, or receiving chemotherapy or steroids.
Diagnosis
IA is typically diagnosed by a combination of clinical symptoms, radiological findings, and laboratory tests (blood cultures, sputum cultures, and bronchoalveolar lavage).
Differential diagnosis
The differential diagnosis for IA includes other fungal infections, such as histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis, as well as bacterial infections, such as tuberculosis and pneumonia.
Treatment
Treatment for IA typically consists of antifungal medications, such as voriconazole or posaconazole. In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove infected tissue.
Prognosis
The prognosis for IA depends on the severity of the infection, the patient’s underlying medical condition, and the timely administration of appropriate treatment. In general, the prognosis is better for those who are diagnosed early and who receive prompt and appropriate treatment.