Invasive Aspergillosis

Overview

This is the most severe form of aspergillosis, and it is life-threatening.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms can include: 

• Fever 
• Coughing up blood (haemoptysis) 
• Shortness of breath 
• Chest or joint pain 
• Headaches 
• Skin lesions 

Causes

Invasive aspergillosis occurs in those who have weakened immune systems (immunocompromised). The infection can become systemic and spreads from the lungs to other organs around the body. 

Diagnosis

Diagnosing invasive aspergillosis can be difficult as signs and symptoms can be non-specific and attributed to other conditions. Therefore, a range of specialist blood tests are conducted to reach a definitive diagnosis. 

Treatment

Invasive aspergillosis requires hospitalisation and treatment with intravenous antifungal medications. Untreated, this form of aspergillosis may be fatal.