Allergy, Aspergillus Fumigatus

Certain airborne fungi like aspergillus fumigatus can be a cause of severe infections. You can develop allergic reaction to fumigatus by inhaling spores of this microorganism. People with comparatively weak immunity are at a higher risk of catching such infections.

Here are the risks associated with a potential fumigatus allergy:

• You have a lung condition like asthma
• You recently experienced a bout of influenza
• You are taking immunosuppressive drugs
• You suffer from blood cancers

All of the above conditions hamper the functioning of your immune system. Hence, identifying allergens like aspergillus fumigatus can help with proper treatment.

Here’s where you can find this fungus:

• Soil
• Plants
• Household dust

When your body is exposed to aspergillus fumigatus, your immune system views this fungus as toxic and produces antibodies that lead to the formation of histamines. Hence, testing for antibodies is of utmost significance in detecting the allergy. Blood tests usually determine IgE aspergillus levels to evaluate the severity of infection.

Here are the well-known factors associated with a fumigatus allergy infection:

• Fever
• Weakness
• Feeling of illness
• Coughing of brown mucus

If you identify these signs, it is important to undergo an Aspergillus fumigatus allergy test. It involves a standard blood test that focuses on testing for antibodies. The procedure is similar to other forms of allergy testing that detect the type and quantity of parameters like IgE aspergillus levels.

Here are the different classes of antibodies that help in the testing for aspergillus:

• IgM
• IgE
• IgG
• IgA
• IgD

IgE antibodies are associated with allergies. So, the lab test involves measuring IgE aspergillus levels to identify allergens. If your test results are normal, no antibodies are present in your bloodstream.

However, if your doctor still suspects the presence of aspergillus fumigatus, you might need to undergo a tissue biopsy. Your doctor may also recommend appropriate treatment like the use of antifungal medications.

You do not require special preparation like fasting before undergoing this allergy testing. Apollo 24|7 offers such testing for antibodies. Just consult your doctor before undergoing the test. 
 

Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikhil Modi, Pulmonologist, Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, South Delhi.