The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Invasive Aspergillosis

A severe fungal infection in neutropenic and transplant patients.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Internal Medicine department. Book Appointment →

What is Invasive Aspergillosis?

Invasive aspergillosis is a serious fungal infection caused by Aspergillus species (especially A. fumigatus) that occurs mainly in neutropenic patients, stem cell and solid organ transplant recipients, long-term steroid users and patients with advanced COPD.

Lung involvement is most frequent, presenting with fever, cough, hemoptysis and pleuritic chest pain. The 'halo sign' and air-crescent sign on chest CT are characteristic findings.

Extrapulmonary spread can affect the central nervous system, sinuses and skin. Voriconazole and isavuconazole are effective antifungal options.

Symptoms

Persistent fever
Dry or bloody cough
Pleuritic chest pain
Shortness of breath
Facial and sinus pain (with sinus involvement)
Neurologic findings (CNS involvement)
Cutaneous necrotic lesions

Risk Factors

Prolonged neutropenia
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Solid organ transplantation
High-dose steroid therapy
Severe influenza or post-COVID-19
Advanced COPD
Long ICU stay

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When fever in a neutropenic patient fails to respond to antibiotics
  • If new-onset hemoptysis develops
  • When a transplant patient develops respiratory symptoms
  • If sinus pain and facial swelling develop
  • For workup of an isolated pulmonary lesion

Treatment Methods

01
Voriconazole (first-line)
02
Isavuconazole
03
Liposomal amphotericin B (alternative)
04
Prolonged antifungal therapy
05
Reduction of immunosuppression when possible
06
Surgical debridement (selected cases)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Invasive Aspergillosis — Antifungal Therapy, Voriconazole, and Galactomannan Monitoring

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a life-threatening fungal infection caused predominantly by Aspergillus fumigatus, occurring in severely immunocompromised patients including those with prolonged neutropenia, hematopoietic stem cell or solid organ transplant recipients, and those receiving high-dose corticosteroids or biologic therapies. Pulmonary infection is most common (75%), with characteristic angioinvasive growth causing hemorrhagic infarction, but disseminated and CNS disease occur. Modern diagnosis incorporates serum and BAL galactomannan assays, beta-D-glucan, and Aspergillus PCR alongside imaging (halo sign, air crescent sign on chest CT) and tissue diagnosis. Voriconazole and isavuconazole are first-line therapy. Treatment duration is prolonged (minimum 6-12 weeks) with response monitoring through clinical, radiographic, and biomarker follow-up.

Flu (Influenza)

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Influenza is a seasonal contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses; it presents with high fever, muscle pain, and severe fatigue.

COVID-19

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

COVID-19 is a contagious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus with a wide clinical spectrum ranging from asymptomatic to severe pneumonia.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Upper respiratory tract infections are diseases that include common cold, pharyngitis, sinusitis, and laryngitis, often of viral origin and self-limited.

Urinary Tract Infection

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Urinary tract infections are common bacterial infections most often caused by Escherichia coli, presenting with burning and frequent urination.

Hepatitis A (HAV)

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Hepatitis A is an acute, self-limited liver infection transmitted via the fecal-oral route causing acute hepatitis without chronicity; supportive care suffices in most cases, while vaccination prevents outbreaks and post-exposure prophylaxis within 2 weeks is effective.

Hepatitis B

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Hepatitis B is a contagious infection caused by HBV virus transmitted via blood, sexual intercourse, and mother-to-child, that can become chronic and progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Hepatitis C

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by HCV virus transmitted mainly by blood; the rate of chronicity is high, but cure is possible with new antiviral drugs.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.