Aspergillosis symptoms commonly include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, runny nose, and headaches. Fungal balls, or aspergilloma, can form when hyphal colonies collect in the lungs. This can lead to pulmonary hemorrhage and a bloody cough. In severe cases, the disease may progress and lead to death.

Signs and Symptoms of Aspergillosis

Diagnosing aspergillosis typically requires chest radiographs and a microscopic examination of tissue and respiratory fluid samples. Serological tests are available to identify *Aspergillus* antigens. In addition, a skin test can be performed to determine if the patient has been exposed to the fungus.

Diagnosis of Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is treated with intravenous antifungal agents, including itraconazole and voriconazole. Allergic symptoms can be managed with corticosteroids because these drugs suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. In disseminated infections, corticosteroids must be discontinued to allow a protective immune response to occur.

Treatment of Aspergillosis

Inhalation of spores can lead to asthma-like allergic reactions. Fungal balls, or aspergilloma, can form when hyphal colonies collect in the lungs. The fungal hyphae can invade the host tissues, leading to pulmonary hemorrhage and a bloody cough. In severe cases, the disease may progress to a disseminated form that is often fatal.

Pathogenesis of *Aspergillus*

aspergillosis is caused by the inhalation of *Aspergillus* spores

Austin Community College

Exposure to various fungi can lead to infections of the respiratory system. Some of the diseases caused by fungi include:
 - Histoplasmosis
 - Coccidioidomycosis
 - Blastomycosis
 - Mucormycosis
 - Aspergillosis
 - Pneumocystis Pneumonia
 - Cryptococcosis

The Different Fungal Infections of the Respiratory System 

https://openstax.org/details/books/microbiology/

Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

OpenStax Microbiology Textbook

Histoplasmosis most commonly occurs in the Mississippi Valley of the United States, and is commonly referred to as the "Mississippi Valley Fever." It is acquired by inhaling microconidial spores in the air. It not transmitted from human to human. The causative agent is *Histoplasma capsulatum.*

Histoplasmosis

Coccidioidomycosis is acquired by inhaling fungal spores. Because the microbe is endemic to the San Joaquin Valley of California, the disease is sometimes referred to as "Valley fever." Coccidioidomycosis is caused by *Coccidioides immitis.*

Coccidioidomycosis

Blastomycosis is a respiratory infection caused by the dimorphic fungus *Blastomyces dermatitidis*. If left untreated, the infection can disseminate to other body locations and potentially cause death.

Blastomycosis

Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection caused by a variety of fungi. including include bread molds, like *Rhizopus* and *Mucor*; the most commonly associated species is *Rhizopus arrhizus* 

Mucormycosis

Cryptococcosis is a respiratory infection caused by *Cryptococcus neoformans*

Cryptococcosis

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a type of pneumonia and is caused by *Pneumocystis jirovecii.*

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