Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is a term for an infection caused by several types of Aspergillus fungi (plural of fungus). Aspergillus is usually found outdoors, in dead leaves, plants, soil or compost. It’s occasionally found in moist environments indoors. Most people breathe in Aspergillus spores every day without getting sick. But in certain people, Aspergillus can cause allergic reactions, chronic lung conditions and invasive disease that spreads to your brain, kidneys, lungs or other organs.

Is Aspergillus black mold?

Aspergillus isn’t black mold. “Black mold” is a common term used for the fungus Stachybotrys chartarum. This isn’t the same mold that causes aspergillosis, but both are common molds that can make some people sick.

What does aspergillosis feel like?

Aspergillosis can cause symptoms similar to many other illnesses, like fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you’re at risk for aspergillosis, talk to a healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms.

Who does aspergillosis affect?

• Different types of aspergillosis are more likely to affect certain people:
• Allergic aspergillosis usually affects people with asthma, bronchiectasis or cystic fibrosis.
• Chronic forms of aspergillosis usually affect people with chronic lung conditions, like COPD, sarcoidosis and tuberculosis.
• Invasive aspergillosis usually affects people with a weakened immune system. This includes people who’ve had an organ or stem cell transplant, those who use corticosteroids regularly, those who have diabetes and those with too few of certain white blood cells (neutropenia).

What are the types of aspergillosis?

Types of aspergillosis include:

• Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (APPA).
• Aspergilloma (“fungus ball”).
• Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis.
• Invasive aspergillosis. Fever is a common symptom.