The UK’s specialist centre for aspergillosis
The National Aspergillosis Centre (NAC) is a specialist NHS service based at Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester, part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
NAC provides expert assessment, diagnosis, treatment and long-term management for people with complex forms of aspergillosis, particularly Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA). The centre also supports healthcare professionals across the United Kingdom with specialist advice, guidance and multidisciplinary case discussion.
Alongside its clinical work, NAC supports research, education and patient engagement, helping improve understanding and care of aspergillosis nationally and internationally.
National Aspergillosis Centre at a glance
| Service | National Aspergillosis Centre (NAC) |
| Location | Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester |
| Organisation | Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust |
| Specialty | Complex aspergillosis care |
| National role | NHS specialist referral service |
| Supports | Patients and healthcare professionals across the UK |
What is aspergillosis?
Aspergillosis is a group of conditions caused by fungi from the Aspergillus family. These fungi are commonly found in the environment, and most people breathe in Aspergillus spores every day without becoming ill.
In some circumstances, however, Aspergillus can cause disease. This may occur because of underlying lung disease, asthma or allergic conditions, a weakened immune system, structural lung damage or previous lung infections.
Which conditions does NAC help manage?
Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA)
CPA is a long-term fungal infection of the lungs that can develop in people who already have lung damage or cavities caused by previous illness.
Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA)
ABPA is an allergic reaction to Aspergillus that most commonly affects people with asthma or cystic fibrosis.
Aspergillus bronchitis
Aspergillus bronchitis is a chronic airway infection in which Aspergillus is repeatedly identified in the airways and contributes to ongoing respiratory symptoms.
Other complex Aspergillus-related conditions
- Aspergillus nodules
- Severe Asthma with Fungal Sensitisation (SAFS)
- complex diagnostic cases
- difficult-to-treat aspergillosis
- antifungal treatment complications
- therapeutic drug monitoring
Not all patients with aspergillosis need referral to NAC. Many people receive excellent care through local respiratory, infectious diseases, allergy or severe asthma services.
How do referrals work?
Patients are normally referred by a healthcare professional. Referrals may come from respiratory physicians, infectious diseases specialists, immunologists, severe asthma services or general practitioners working with specialist teams.
NAC also supports clinicians through remote advice services and multidisciplinary discussions, helping many patients receive specialist input without needing regular travel to Manchester.
What happens at a NAC appointment?
Every patient is different, but assessment may include:
- review of symptoms and medical history
- review of computed tomography (CT) scans and other imaging
- blood test review
- review of microbiology and fungal test results
- assessment of antifungal treatment
- therapeutic drug monitoring
- discussion of future treatment options
Patients often continue to receive much of their care locally, with specialist recommendations provided by NAC.
Specialist aspergillosis care across the UK
Although NAC is the UK’s national specialist centre for chronic aspergillosis, specialist care is also provided through many hospitals and specialist services across the country.
Depending on the condition involved, patients may receive care from respiratory medicine services, bronchiectasis clinics, severe asthma centres, infectious diseases departments, allergy services or immunology services.
The most appropriate service depends on the type of aspergillosis and the patient’s individual circumstances.
Research and innovation
Research is a central part of the work carried out by NAC and its partners. Areas of ongoing research include improved diagnostics, new antifungal medications, biologic therapies, therapeutic drug monitoring, imaging, disease monitoring, patient experience and clinical trials.
Education and patient support
The National Aspergillosis Centre is committed to helping patients and carers understand their condition and access reliable information.
Resources available through aspergillosis.org include:
- over 1,000 patient information articles
- condition-specific Knowledge Hubs
- support meetings
- recorded educational talks
- patient stories
- research updates
- guidance for carers and families
Working together
Effective aspergillosis care relies on collaboration between patients, carers, local healthcare teams and specialist services.
NAC works closely with healthcare professionals, researchers, patient organisations and charities to improve awareness, diagnosis, treatment and support for people living with aspergillosis.
Frequently asked questions
What is the National Aspergillosis Centre?
The National Aspergillosis Centre is a specialist NHS service based at Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester. It provides expert care and advice for complex forms of aspergillosis, especially Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis.
Where is NAC located?
NAC is based at Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester, part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
Who can be referred to NAC?
Patients with complex or difficult-to-manage aspergillosis may be referred by a healthcare professional. Many referrals involve Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis, but NAC also provides advice for other Aspergillus-related conditions.
Can I refer myself to NAC?
Patients are normally referred by a healthcare professional. If you believe specialist input may be helpful, discuss this with your clinical team.
Do I have to live near Manchester?
No. Patients are referred from throughout the United Kingdom, and NAC also supports clinicians remotely.
Does everyone with aspergillosis need NAC?
No. Many patients are managed successfully by local specialist teams. NAC is primarily involved in complex cases and specialist advice.
Does NAC only treat CPA?
No. Although NAC is especially known for Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis, it also provides advice and support for a range of complex Aspergillus-related conditions.
What happens during a NAC appointment?
A NAC appointment may include review of symptoms, scans, blood tests, microbiology results, antifungal treatment, drug levels and future treatment options.
Does NAC provide patient support?
Yes. Through aspergillosis.org and the NAC CARES programme, patients and carers can access educational resources, support meetings and community activities.
Suggested links
- Manchester University NHS FT Aspergillosis for full details, referral
- What is aspergillosis?
- Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA)
- Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA)
- Aspergillus bronchitis
- Aspergillosis Knowledge Hub
- Find an aspergillosis clinic
- Support meetings and community
- Information for professionals
- Latest articles and research updates
About this page
This page was prepared by the National Aspergillosis Centre CARES team to explain the role of the National Aspergillosis Centre and how specialist aspergillosis care is provided within the UK healthcare system.
Last reviewed: June 2026
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