World Aspergillosis Day 2023 - Hard Science 101 - Professor Paul Bowyer

The aim of World Aspergillosis Day is to raise awareness of a fungal infection that is often underdiagnosed, like many other fungal infections worldwide. This talk by the University of Manchester's Professor Paul Bowyer looks at the science of aspergillosis.

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Aspergillosis is a fungal infection caused by Aspergillus, a species of mould that is found all over the world.

This explainer looks at what aspergillosis is, who is at risk of the infection and what the symptoms are.

More information can be found at the links below:

https://mft.nhs.uk/wythenshawe/servic...

https://aspergillosis.org/

Aspergillosis is a fungal infection caused by Aspergillus, a species of mould that is found all over the world. Aspergillus is common and can be found in many places including; soil, compost, dust, damp buildings, crops, building sites and air conditioning systems.

Most of these moulds are harmless. However, some types can cause various diseases ranging from allergic reactions to life-threatening infections, or both.

Aspergillosis rarely develops in healthy individuals; most people breathe in these spores every day without any issues.

Infections are more likely to develop in people who have:

👉 a lung condition – such as asthma, cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
👉 a weakened immune system – for example, if you have had an organ transplant or are having chemotherapy
👉 had tuberculosis (TB) in the past
👉lung cavities and scarring for example from TB or sarcoidosis

Symptoms include:

👉worsening symptoms of an existing lung condition that are not being relieved with medication
👉shortness of breath
👉a cough – you may cough up blood or lumps of mucus
👉wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)
👉a high temperature of 38C or above
👉weight loss
👉fatigue
👉feeling generally unwell