Aspergillosis (allergic bronchopulmonary)
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an immune-mediated hypersensitivity reaction to Aspergillus species colonizing the airways, most commonly affecting patients with asthma or cystic fibrosis.
In susceptible individuals, airway colonization by Aspergillus fumigatus triggers an exaggerated immune response characterized by elevated total IgE, Aspergillus-specific IgE and IgG antibodies, and eosinophilia. The resulting inflammatory reaction produces the clinical manifestations of ABPA.
The course is characterised by recurrent episodes of eosinophilic pneumonia, especially in the autumn and winter.
Reference
- Patterson TF et al. Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Aspergillosis: 2016 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis. 2016 Aug 15;63(4):e1-e60
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