Aspergillus IgG

Aspergillosis is a group of diseases caused by mold fungus of the genus Aspergillus (A. niger, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A.nidulans). The following pathologies are most common: allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and aspergilloma. It is possible to damage the ENT organs, eyes, skin, bone tissue, genitals, as well as generalized (septic) aspergillosis. Aspergillus is widespread in the environment: in the upper layers of soil, cereals, hay, in the dust of premises (including in the hospital). Infection occurs, as a rule, by inhalation of contaminated dust particles. The disease is not transmitted from one person to another. The pathogen is the second most common after fungus-candide. A leading role in the development of aspergillosis is played by a decrease in the local or general immune defense of the body. For example, the pulmonary form of aspergillosis is observed against the background of chronic bronchitis, COPD, bronchiectatic disease, pulmonary tuberculosis, lung cancer; with long-term treatment with glucocorticoids or cytostatics...

However, it is possible to develop acute diffuse pneumonia in patients with normal immune status after massive inhalation of fungal spores. There are no specific clinical manifestations of the disease – the disease can hide under the mask of pneumonia, bronchitis, tuberculosis, lung cancer, otitis media, sinusitis. The only alarming criterion is the lack of effect from treatment with standard drugs. It is also possible to detect fungus by microscopic examination of phlegm. The diagnostic criterion for aspergillosis is the detection of IgG antibodies to the pathogen in the blood. Their detection in large numbers indicates prolonged contact of the body with the fungus. IgG is characteristic of all aspergillus species - A. niger, A. flavus, A. Fumigatus, which excludes a false negative result due to a discrepancy between the diagnostic reagents and the type of aspergillus that caused the disease. The test is also necessary to monitor the effectiveness of treatment over time, which is reflected by a decrease in the concentration of antibodies. If the result of the test is given as "doubtful", it is necessary to repeat the test after 2-3 weeks, since the level of antibodies is at the borderline level.