Finding an expert in diagnosing and managing aspergillosis, particularly Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA) or Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA), requires focusing on specialists in respiratory medicine, infectious diseases, or clinical immunology. Here are steps you can take:
1. Search for Specialists
A. Respiratory Consultants (Pulmonologists):
- Look for pulmonologists with expertise in fungal or infectious lung diseases.
- Key Subspecialties:
- Interstitial lung diseases.
- Bronchiectasis management.
- Respiratory infections.
B. Infectious Disease Specialists:
- Experts in fungal infections, including invasive and chronic aspergillosis.
C. Clinical Immunologists:
- Helpful if aspergillosis coexists with immune deficiencies or hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., ABPA).
2. Use Specialist Registries
- These vary widely throughout the world so a search of your local services is needed. In the UK most NHS hospitals have contact details for their services and consultants available on their NHS website: for example
-
- Infectious diseases consultants at Manchester University Foundation Trust (MFT) Wythenshawe North Manchester
- Lung infections at Brompton & Harefield, London
- Royal Papworth Lung Defence Clinic
ECMM centres of expertise currently covers Europe, USA but more are coming
There are private services available too, which can be found in advertising on the internet provided by private health companies, some attached to NHS hospitals. -
3. Aspergillosis Specialist Centers in the UK
- National Aspergillosis Centre (NAC):
- Located in Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester.
- World-leading center for diagnosing and managing aspergillosis.
- Offers outpatient and telemedicine consultations for complex cases.
- Contact: NAC Website
- Other Major UK Centers:
- Royal Brompton Hospital, London: Renowned for respiratory diseases.
- Papworth Hospital, Cambridge: Specializes in fungal and respiratory infections.
- See also our list of UK centres
4. Referral Pathways
- GP Referral:
- In the UK, request a referral from your general practitioner (GP) to a respiratory or infectious disease specialist with expertise in aspergillosis.
- Private Consultation:
- If you have medical insurance you might consider private consultations. Websites like Spire Healthcare or BMI Healthcare can help find private specialists.
5. Online Tools and Networks
- Support Groups:
- Joining online communities like those on Facebook (e.g., “National Aspergillosis Centre Support UK“”Aspergillosis Trust“) may provide recommendations from patients with similar experiences.
6. Research and Academic Institutions
- Check universities or hospitals involved in fungal infection research. Many offer clinics for patients and opportunities to participate in studies.
- Examples:
- University of Manchester (UK) MFIG: Home to extensive aspergillosis research.
- Imperial College Fungal Science Network
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology Exeter
- European Confederation for Medical Mycology (ECMM)
- UK Clinical Mycology Network
- International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM)
- Worldwide Medical Mycology/Microbiology groups – approximately 100 countries represented (aspergillus.org.uk)
7. Ask for Recommendations
- Local Hospitals: Call respiratory clinics to ask if they handle aspergillosis cases or refer to a specific specialist.
- Patient Advocacy Groups:
- Contact organizations like The Aspergillosis Trust or National Aspergillosis Centre Support UK both for guidance.