Aspergillus fumigatus
Summary of Aspergillus fumigatus
Aspergillus fumigatus is a fungus with septate hyphae that branch at 45°, and conidia in radiating chains at ends of conidiophores. It causes invasive aspergillosis, especially in immunocompromised and those with chronic granulomatous disease. It can also cause aspergillomas in pre-existing lung cavities, especially after tuberculosis (TB) infection. Some species of Aspergillus produce aflatoxins, which are associated with hepatocellular carcinoma. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a hypersensitivity response to Aspergillus that is associated with asthma and cystic fibrosis and causes bronchiectasis and eosinophilia.