Reducing Risk for Aspergillosis

Key points

  • Different health conditions can increase risk for different types of aspergillosis.
  • It is difficult to avoid breathing in Aspergillus spores.
  • People with weakened immune systems can reduce their risk of infection a few ways.
Illustration collage of people with medical conditions

Risk factors for different types of infections

Most people breathe in Aspergillus spores without getting sick. People with weakened immune systems are more likely to get infections. The risk is highest for people receiving stem cell or organ transplants or people with chronic lung conditions.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)

ABPA most often occurs in people who have cystic fibrosis or asthma.

Aspergillomas "fungus ball"

People with lung diseases like tuberculosis are most likely to get aspergillomas.

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis

Risk factors for chronic pulmonary aspergillosis include tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or sarcoidosis.

Invasive aspergillosis

Invasive aspergillosis affects people who have very weakened immune systems. Risk factors include:

  • Stem cell transplant or organ transplant
  • Chemotherapy for cancer
  • High doses of corticosteroids.
  • Patients with severe respiratory infections.
Keep Reading: Fungal Diseases and COVID-19

Exposure

Aspergillus spores are common in indoor and outdoor environments. Most people are exposed and breathe in spores every day without getting sick. However, people with weakened immune systems or lung diseases are at a higher risk of developing health problems due to Aspergillus.

Aspergillosis can't spread between people or between people and animals from the lungs.

An overhead view of a barn and farmland blending into a suburban neighborhood, leading to a city with a hospital building. People are throughout the scene. Orange dots scattered throughout represent A. fumigatus spores.
Aspergillus spores are common across indoor and outdoor environments.

Prevention steps and strategies

It's difficult to avoid breathing in Aspergillus spores because the fungus is common in the environment. For people who have weakened immune systems, there may be some ways to lower the chances of developing a severe Aspergillus infection.

It's important to note that although these actions are recommended, they haven't been proven to prevent aspergillosis.

  • Try to avoid dustyareas like construction or excavation sites.
  • Avoid activities involving close contact to soil or dust
  • Wear shoes, pants, and long-sleeves when doing outdoor activities.
  • Clean skin injuries well with soap and water to avoid skin infection.
A construction site with a worker in the background and dust flying around.
Aspergillus is a common mold in the air.

Antifungal medication

If you are at high risk for developing invasive aspergillosis your healthcare provider may prescribe medication to prevent aspergillosis. People who receive stem cell or organ transplants are at increased risk. Scientists are still learning about which transplant patients are at highest risk and how to best prevent fungal infections.

Testing for early infection

Some high-risk patients may benefit from blood tests to detect invasive aspergillosis. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine if this type of test is right for you.

Health Care Providers: Clinical Overview of Aspergillosis

For more information about indoor mold, including cleanup and remediation recommendations, see

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Content Source:
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)