Aspergillus Fungus

C

CSalomonson

New member
Hi,

My CF nurse called me today and explained to me that my sputum culture revealed a new bug for me, Aspergillus Fungus. In addition to this, I have Staph, two strains of Pseudomonas, and a TB cousin bug. I am wondering if anyone knows anything about the Aspergillus Fungus, and what it might mean for the future. The docs put me on Cipro for two weeks in response. I coughed up blood Sunday and Monday for the first time in 2 1/2 years, so I don't know if this is related. Thoughts anyone?
 
C

CSalomonson

New member
Hi,

My CF nurse called me today and explained to me that my sputum culture revealed a new bug for me, Aspergillus Fungus. In addition to this, I have Staph, two strains of Pseudomonas, and a TB cousin bug. I am wondering if anyone knows anything about the Aspergillus Fungus, and what it might mean for the future. The docs put me on Cipro for two weeks in response. I coughed up blood Sunday and Monday for the first time in 2 1/2 years, so I don't know if this is related. Thoughts anyone?
 
C

CSalomonson

New member
Hi,

My CF nurse called me today and explained to me that my sputum culture revealed a new bug for me, Aspergillus Fungus. In addition to this, I have Staph, two strains of Pseudomonas, and a TB cousin bug. I am wondering if anyone knows anything about the Aspergillus Fungus, and what it might mean for the future. The docs put me on Cipro for two weeks in response. I coughed up blood Sunday and Monday for the first time in 2 1/2 years, so I don't know if this is related. Thoughts anyone?
 
C

chrissyd

New member
I just cultured this as well as PA while at the hospital...

I have been trying to find more info on it as well.

All I have so far are these from the cff.org website:
57. Can Aspergillus be passed from one CF patient to another?
There has been no documented case where a person with CF passed Aspergillus to another person with CF.

58. What percentage of CF patients test positive for Aspergillus in their sputum cultures? Once you have been diagnosed with this, will it continue to be present in sputum cultures, or is it able to be gotten rid of through treatment?
According to the 2002 patient registry, 12.88% of people with CF tested positive for Aspergillus from throat and nose swabs, sputum cultures and samples taken during bronchoscopy. Alone, Aspergillus may not be a problem, however, some patients get allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). This is an allergic reaction to Aspergillus. In 2002 it occurred in 2.2% of children with CF and in 3.1% of adults with CF. Treatment is available for people with infections from Aspergillus and ABPA, although response is different from patient to patient.

59. What are the most common ways someone with CF contracts Aspergillus?
Aspergillus is found in the earth, construction sites and in surfaces that remain wet for longer than 72 hours. It is recommended that people with CF avoid construction, renovation, gardening and lawn cutting to decrease exposure to large amounts of Aspergillus.

I'm interested if anyoneelse has more info too!!

<img src="">
 
C

chrissyd

New member
I just cultured this as well as PA while at the hospital...

I have been trying to find more info on it as well.

All I have so far are these from the cff.org website:
57. Can Aspergillus be passed from one CF patient to another?
There has been no documented case where a person with CF passed Aspergillus to another person with CF.

58. What percentage of CF patients test positive for Aspergillus in their sputum cultures? Once you have been diagnosed with this, will it continue to be present in sputum cultures, or is it able to be gotten rid of through treatment?
According to the 2002 patient registry, 12.88% of people with CF tested positive for Aspergillus from throat and nose swabs, sputum cultures and samples taken during bronchoscopy. Alone, Aspergillus may not be a problem, however, some patients get allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). This is an allergic reaction to Aspergillus. In 2002 it occurred in 2.2% of children with CF and in 3.1% of adults with CF. Treatment is available for people with infections from Aspergillus and ABPA, although response is different from patient to patient.

59. What are the most common ways someone with CF contracts Aspergillus?
Aspergillus is found in the earth, construction sites and in surfaces that remain wet for longer than 72 hours. It is recommended that people with CF avoid construction, renovation, gardening and lawn cutting to decrease exposure to large amounts of Aspergillus.

I'm interested if anyoneelse has more info too!!

<img src="">
 
C

chrissyd

New member
I just cultured this as well as PA while at the hospital...

I have been trying to find more info on it as well.

All I have so far are these from the cff.org website:
57. Can Aspergillus be passed from one CF patient to another?
There has been no documented case where a person with CF passed Aspergillus to another person with CF.

58. What percentage of CF patients test positive for Aspergillus in their sputum cultures? Once you have been diagnosed with this, will it continue to be present in sputum cultures, or is it able to be gotten rid of through treatment?
According to the 2002 patient registry, 12.88% of people with CF tested positive for Aspergillus from throat and nose swabs, sputum cultures and samples taken during bronchoscopy. Alone, Aspergillus may not be a problem, however, some patients get allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). This is an allergic reaction to Aspergillus. In 2002 it occurred in 2.2% of children with CF and in 3.1% of adults with CF. Treatment is available for people with infections from Aspergillus and ABPA, although response is different from patient to patient.

59. What are the most common ways someone with CF contracts Aspergillus?
Aspergillus is found in the earth, construction sites and in surfaces that remain wet for longer than 72 hours. It is recommended that people with CF avoid construction, renovation, gardening and lawn cutting to decrease exposure to large amounts of Aspergillus.

I'm interested if anyoneelse has more info too!!

<img src="">
 
P

Pumuckl

New member
I have had the fungal infection a few years ago and it was treated and went away.

I found out this week that the scans the docs ordered for the transplant workup showed that the infection damaged my lungs considerably. I also happen to be allergic to aspergillus (not sure how much that would have contributed to extra damage). I currently did not culture any fungus but as a precaution the transplant doc ordered meds that I am to take pre-transplant and will be required to continue post.
 
P

Pumuckl

New member
I have had the fungal infection a few years ago and it was treated and went away.

I found out this week that the scans the docs ordered for the transplant workup showed that the infection damaged my lungs considerably. I also happen to be allergic to aspergillus (not sure how much that would have contributed to extra damage). I currently did not culture any fungus but as a precaution the transplant doc ordered meds that I am to take pre-transplant and will be required to continue post.
 
P

Pumuckl

New member
I have had the fungal infection a few years ago and it was treated and went away.

I found out this week that the scans the docs ordered for the transplant workup showed that the infection damaged my lungs considerably. I also happen to be allergic to aspergillus (not sure how much that would have contributed to extra damage). I currently did not culture any fungus but as a precaution the transplant doc ordered meds that I am to take pre-transplant and will be required to continue post.
 
J

Jem

New member
I do not have personal experience with Aspergillus Fungus but I am sure others here can help you with that.

I am concerned that you are coughing up blood. I am very familiar with hemoptysis. I know how scary and upsetting it is when it happens. You mentioned you have a TB cousin. Do you know which one it is and are you receiving long term triple antibiotic treatment for it? I have had a TB cousin as well, MAI (mycobacterium avium complex) and have had to undergo a long term triple drug antibiotic cocktail treatment 3 times in the last 12 years. Thankfully I have tested neg for the last two years. Maybe your bleeding has to do with the TB cousin infection?

I hope you get the answers you seek and the proper treatments. Let us know how you are doing.
 
J

Jem

New member
I do not have personal experience with Aspergillus Fungus but I am sure others here can help you with that.

I am concerned that you are coughing up blood. I am very familiar with hemoptysis. I know how scary and upsetting it is when it happens. You mentioned you have a TB cousin. Do you know which one it is and are you receiving long term triple antibiotic treatment for it? I have had a TB cousin as well, MAI (mycobacterium avium complex) and have had to undergo a long term triple drug antibiotic cocktail treatment 3 times in the last 12 years. Thankfully I have tested neg for the last two years. Maybe your bleeding has to do with the TB cousin infection?

I hope you get the answers you seek and the proper treatments. Let us know how you are doing.
 
J

Jem

New member
I do not have personal experience with Aspergillus Fungus but I am sure others here can help you with that.

I am concerned that you are coughing up blood. I am very familiar with hemoptysis. I know how scary and upsetting it is when it happens. You mentioned you have a TB cousin. Do you know which one it is and are you receiving long term triple antibiotic treatment for it? I have had a TB cousin as well, MAI (mycobacterium avium complex) and have had to undergo a long term triple drug antibiotic cocktail treatment 3 times in the last 12 years. Thankfully I have tested neg for the last two years. Maybe your bleeding has to do with the TB cousin infection?

I hope you get the answers you seek and the proper treatments. Let us know how you are doing.
 
L

LouLou

New member
I cultured Aspergillus for the first time around this time last year. It is speculated I picked it up because my office is in an old rehabbed warehouse. I am not allergic to aspergillus. If I was this can cause ABPA. The way to find out if you are allergic is to regularly have your igE levels checked. High numbers - in the hundreds - indicate an allergy. ABPA symptoms can be hard to decern from regular cf symptoms. They are coughing blood, wheezing and tightness that I remember.

It seems to be standard to not treat aspergillus unless there is a definite contributable change in symptoms and/or diagnosed ABPA (through igE levels). Lizardqueen and I (probably others just don't remember who) culture it but don't treat it since our igE levels are normal. I think last checked mine was 89.

You should search "ABPA" and "aspergillus" on this site to see much additional information about this subject. You can read about standard care practices for treating ABPA much of which have undesirable side effects. The treatment I'm watching is "Xolair." I heard about it on here. Search that one too. It sounds alot better than the current med which I think is called sporax or something like that.
 
L

LouLou

New member
I cultured Aspergillus for the first time around this time last year. It is speculated I picked it up because my office is in an old rehabbed warehouse. I am not allergic to aspergillus. If I was this can cause ABPA. The way to find out if you are allergic is to regularly have your igE levels checked. High numbers - in the hundreds - indicate an allergy. ABPA symptoms can be hard to decern from regular cf symptoms. They are coughing blood, wheezing and tightness that I remember.

It seems to be standard to not treat aspergillus unless there is a definite contributable change in symptoms and/or diagnosed ABPA (through igE levels). Lizardqueen and I (probably others just don't remember who) culture it but don't treat it since our igE levels are normal. I think last checked mine was 89.

You should search "ABPA" and "aspergillus" on this site to see much additional information about this subject. You can read about standard care practices for treating ABPA much of which have undesirable side effects. The treatment I'm watching is "Xolair." I heard about it on here. Search that one too. It sounds alot better than the current med which I think is called sporax or something like that.
 
L

LouLou

New member
I cultured Aspergillus for the first time around this time last year. It is speculated I picked it up because my office is in an old rehabbed warehouse. I am not allergic to aspergillus. If I was this can cause ABPA. The way to find out if you are allergic is to regularly have your igE levels checked. High numbers - in the hundreds - indicate an allergy. ABPA symptoms can be hard to decern from regular cf symptoms. They are coughing blood, wheezing and tightness that I remember.

It seems to be standard to not treat aspergillus unless there is a definite contributable change in symptoms and/or diagnosed ABPA (through igE levels). Lizardqueen and I (probably others just don't remember who) culture it but don't treat it since our igE levels are normal. I think last checked mine was 89.

You should search "ABPA" and "aspergillus" on this site to see much additional information about this subject. You can read about standard care practices for treating ABPA much of which have undesirable side effects. The treatment I'm watching is "Xolair." I heard about it on here. Search that one too. It sounds alot better than the current med which I think is called sporax or something like that.
 
C

CSalomonson

New member
Hi,

Thanks for the information and comments everyone. I was told in January about the TB cousin and I think it is the Mycobacterium Avium. They didn't decide to put me on any medications for this, but I will ask and push them more on this, although they did explain that it prevented me from taking Azithromycin.

They have ordered my blood be tested, the Ige test that was mentioned. Then they can tell how my body is dealing with the Aspergillus fungus. That will tell a lot.

I did get upset when I coughed up blood, and it is a little scary. But, after several days, it began to just be part of my mucus and then eventually has dissappeared. I do hope I get the proper treatments for these bugs, as the clinic usually simply responds with Cipro.

Thank you for all your concerns. I am feeling great, in spite of these conditions.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
C

CSalomonson

New member
Hi,

Thanks for the information and comments everyone. I was told in January about the TB cousin and I think it is the Mycobacterium Avium. They didn't decide to put me on any medications for this, but I will ask and push them more on this, although they did explain that it prevented me from taking Azithromycin.

They have ordered my blood be tested, the Ige test that was mentioned. Then they can tell how my body is dealing with the Aspergillus fungus. That will tell a lot.

I did get upset when I coughed up blood, and it is a little scary. But, after several days, it began to just be part of my mucus and then eventually has dissappeared. I do hope I get the proper treatments for these bugs, as the clinic usually simply responds with Cipro.

Thank you for all your concerns. I am feeling great, in spite of these conditions.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
C

CSalomonson

New member
Hi,

Thanks for the information and comments everyone. I was told in January about the TB cousin and I think it is the Mycobacterium Avium. They didn't decide to put me on any medications for this, but I will ask and push them more on this, although they did explain that it prevented me from taking Azithromycin.

They have ordered my blood be tested, the Ige test that was mentioned. Then they can tell how my body is dealing with the Aspergillus fungus. That will tell a lot.

I did get upset when I coughed up blood, and it is a little scary. But, after several days, it began to just be part of my mucus and then eventually has dissappeared. I do hope I get the proper treatments for these bugs, as the clinic usually simply responds with Cipro.

Thank you for all your concerns. I am feeling great, in spite of these conditions.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
J

Jem

New member
Glad you are feeling well. I would question your doctor on why you are not being treated for the MAI. You can go to this website:<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://forums.ntminfo.com/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=5">NTM info and research</a> to arm yourself with information and questions for your doctor. I believe it is better to be proactive with treating this as it can turn quite nasty.

I hope it turns out you are not allergic to the aspergillus and that your bleeding does not return.

Have a wonderful weekend yourself.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
J

Jem

New member
Glad you are feeling well. I would question your doctor on why you are not being treated for the MAI. You can go to this website:<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://forums.ntminfo.com/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=5">NTM info and research</a> to arm yourself with information and questions for your doctor. I believe it is better to be proactive with treating this as it can turn quite nasty.

I hope it turns out you are not allergic to the aspergillus and that your bleeding does not return.

Have a wonderful weekend yourself.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
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