Aspergillosis and Identifying Environments with Pathogenic Fungi

In June of this year, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) published updated guidelines for the diagnosis and management of aspergillosis. The guidelines appeared in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases and addressed allergic, chronic pulmonary and invasive aspergillosis.

Aspergillosis can be a life-threatening condition, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that it is not a reportable infection. Due to this fact, the exact number of cases in the United States is difficult to determine. However, the CDC does report that milder, allergic forms of aspergillosis are more common than the invasive form of the infection.

One of the milder forms of aspergillosis is known as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). Patients with ABPA have a condition where the fungus causes allergic respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing and coughing, but does not actually invade and destroy tissue. On the other hand, invasive aspergillosis usually affects people with immune system problems that allow the fungus to invade and damage tissues in the body. Invasive aspergillosis most commonly affects the lungs, but it can also cause infections in other organs and can spread throughout the human body.

“Aspergillosis is caused by a common type of fungus known as Aspergillus which can be found in both outdoor and some indoor environments,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “It may be found in homes and buildings that have suffered water damage or elevated humidity levels that have allowed for the growth of mold. Those with a weakened or suppressed immune system, as can often be found in healthcare facilities and nursing homes, need to be especially vigilant of this fungal pathogen.”

EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers comprehensive testing services to identify Aspergillus and many other types of fungi and bacteria that could impact the indoor environmental quality of a commercial, institutional or residential property.

To learn more about Aspergillus or other types of fungi and microbial testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality, consumer product and materials testing services and products for professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail