Asperigillus flavus???

[BaylorCrew07]

The last time I had a culture I cultured Pseudomonas. My most recent culture came back negative for Pseudomonas, but apparenty I have Apergillus flavus. Does anyone else culture this? I've never heard of it. if so, what kind of treatment do you do for it?

Any help/info would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!!

Debra

 

[stevehof]

Apergillus is a fungus, not a bacteria. Many people with CF will culture it at one time or other during their lives. It can remain in the background for years or if your immune system is not too strong against fungus, it can turn into Aspergilloses <sp?> pneumonia. As with other fungus infections, there are oral and IV drug treatments as well as cortisteroids <sp?>. Your doctor can do a blood test that will show if your immune system has antibodies for Aspergillus. I believe if the blood test is positive, they may recommend some treatment. In other words, Aspergillus may or may not be causing extra illness (fever, sputum production and coughing).

 

[BaylorCrew07]

Steve - thanks so much! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I knew it was a fungus, but that was the extent of my knowledge. My nurse gave the impression that they would only do the blood test if I felt ill or something. Does that seem right, or do they normally do the blood test just to check for antibodies regardless of how you feel? Thanks again!

Debra

 

[anonymous]

I cultured it once & it hasn't shown up since. Possibly it's dormant like someone mentioned previously. I remember coughing up "brownish" plugs with the asperigillus and that was basically my only sign. My doctor did do the blood test and I think maybe this is to see if you are having an allergic reaction to asperigillus. I think as long as you're not allergic to it, it poses minimum problems. Again, my non-medical opinion.
You may try the search engine on this board & see what has been discussed about asperigillus in the past. Good luck.

 

[anonymous]

I have cultured Aspergillus twice, about six years apart. Each time I waws treated with Metronidazole (flagyll) and it illiminated the fungus in about a 14 day period.

Flagyll is an antibiotic you definitely want to avoid alcohol while taking.

It seems molds and fungi in the lungs are more commonly picked up in humid climates or if you are often in old buildings like warehouses.