Aspergillosis
Last updated: Thursday, 11, November, 2010
| Presentation | Appropriate Tests |
|---|---|
Diagnostic imaging, as appropriate. Pathology tests detect either colonisation or infection with Aspergillus spp. See also Infection (increased susceptibility) | |
Fungal ball formation (lung cavities, sinuses) | Sputum microscopy and culture for fungus. If indicated - biopsy with fungal culture. |
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis | Aspergillus precipitins. Skin prick allergen testing with antigens of Aspergillus spp and/or testing for allergen specific immunoglobulin E; immunoglobulin E. Leucocyte differential count including eosinophil count. |
Otitis externa | Ear swab - fungal microscopy and culture. |
Corneal infection | Corneal scrapings - fungal microscopy and culture. |
Invasive pulmonary infection | Lung (open or transbronchial) biopsy - microscopy and histology to detect septate hyphae; fungal culture to confirm the identification of the fungus. |
Disseminated infection | Tissue biopsy - fungal microscopy and culture. |