PULMONARY ASPERGILLOSIS - A SPECTRUM OF DISEASE

Although many species of the fungus Aspergillus have been identified, the most common human pathogen is A. fumigatus, which has a worldwide distribution. Although any organ may become infected, pulmonary asperg illosis is the most common manifestation. The spectrum of pulmonary as pergillosis includes saprophytic aspergillomas, allergic bronchopulmon ary aspergillosis, chronic necrotizing aspergillosis, and invasive asp ergillosis. Immune status of the host, and the presence of under lying lung disease are important in determining the type of pulmonary invol vement. Thus, the radiographic findings are variable. This article rev iews the various manifestations of pulmonary aspergillosis, including the immune status of the patient, the presence of underlying lung dise ase, and the radiographic appearance of the different entities.