Manifestations of pulmonary aspergillosis in pediatrics

Purpose of review Aspergillusspp. cause a clinical spectrum of disease with severity of disease dependent on degree of immune compromise, nature and intensity of inflammatory host response, and/or underlying lung disease. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis encompasses a spectrum of diseases including aspergilloma,Aspergillusnodules, chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis, chronic fibrosing pulmonary aspergillosis, and subacute invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) paradoxically is an immune hypersensitivity manifestation in the lungs that almost always occurs in the setting of underlying asthma or cystic fibrosis. These chronicAspergillusconditions are now becoming more prevalent than invasiveAspergillus, thus it is important to be aware of the current literature of these conditions. Recent findings High-level research assessing the clinical significance and treatment options of these chronic diseases are lacking. Recent literature suggests colonization is antecedent for local airway infection (Aspergillusbronchitis), chronic or allergic bronchopulmonary disease, or invasive and potentially disseminated disease. There have been few advances in assessment of treatment of ABPA. Research assessing the clinical significance and treatment options is currently needed.