Aspergillusinfektionen

Pulmonary aspergillosis remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Acute invasive aspergillosis (IPA) is increasingly seen in patients with respiratory diseases. Diagnosis is facilitated by the detection of mostly nodular infiltrates on high-resolution computed tomography and aspergillus galactomannan antigen testing of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. A high grade of suspicion is needed to institute effective antimycotic treatment in time. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is defined as progressive disease over a period of more than 3 months. The vast majority of CPA patients have underlying structural lung disease. Aspergillus-specific serum precipitins are frequently found. Antimycotic therapy is the mainstay of treatment, with a prolonged treatment duration.