Aspergillus is the genus of asexual spore-forming mold species common in many climates. It is found in soil, water and air. Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus are common molds to which humans are exposed. Due to the increased use of immunosuppressant medications, the development of more intensive chemotherapies and the advent of AIDS, there has been in increase in the number of patients at risk of developing invasive aspergillosis. Aspergillus grows slowly, and can manifest in a variety of ways including chronic sinusitis and brain lesions.

What if your test result is "equivocal"?

An "equivocal" result on a Pathogen-Associated Immune Reactivity Screen (like when testing for Aspergillus) generally indicates that the test detected the presence of antibodies or immune markers at a level that is not clearly positive but higher than the typical negative range. Here's what this might mean and some steps you could consider:

→ Uncertain Diagnosis: Equivocal results are often inconclusive, meaning they don't provide a definitive answer as to whether you have an active infection or immune response to Aspergillus. This can be due to a variety of reasons including early infection, low-level exposure, or cross-reactivity with other substances.

→ Follow-up Testing: Usually, when results are equivocal, doctors recommend re-testing after a period of time. This could help determine if the levels of antibodies or immune markers are changing, which might indicate an active or resolving infection.

→ Clinical Context: It's important to consider these results in the broader context of your symptoms and medical history. If you are showing symptoms consistent with an Aspergillus infection (such as respiratory issues, if Aspergillus is suspected in the lungs), further diagnostic testing might be necessary.

→ Consultation with a Specialist: In cases where Aspergillus is a serious concern (for instance, in immunocompromised individuals), consulting a specialist in infectious diseases or a pulmonologist might be advisable. They can offer more specific tests and interpret the results in the context of your overall health status.

→ Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any symptoms that might be related to Aspergillus exposure, such as coughing, wheezing, or other respiratory problems, and report these to your healthcare provider.

If your test result is equivocal, it's best to discuss these steps with your healthcare provider, who can offer guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Aspergillus Ag, BAL (Bronchoalveolar Lavage) is a vital test for diagnosing pulmonary aspergillosis, caused by the Aspergillus fungus. It's especially crucial for patients with weakened immune systems. This minimally invasive procedure involves analyzing lavage fluid from the lungs for Aspergillus antigens, providing a rapid and accurate diagnosis. Early detection through Aspergillus Ag, BAL enables prompt antifungal treatment, significantly improving patient outcomes.

What is Aspergillus?

Aspergillus, the mold (a type of fungus) that causes aspergillosis, is very common both indoors and outdoors, so most people breathe in fungal spores every day. It’s probably impossible to completely avoid breathing in some Aspergillus spores. For people with healthy immune systems, breathing in Aspergillus isn’t harmful. However, for people who have weakened immune systems, breathing in Aspergillus spores can cause an infection in the lungs or sinuses which can spread to other parts of the body.

There are approximately 180 species of Aspergillus, but fewer than 40 of them are known to cause infections in humans. Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common cause of human Aspergillus infections. Other common species include A. flavus, A. terreus, and A. niger.

Aspergillus Auto-Toxin (Sterigmatocystin) carcinogenic (causes cancer), mutagenic (causes mutations), andteratogenic (causes malformations of the fetus), hepatotoxic (liver); can cause autoimmune diseases.

Sterigmatocystin (STG) is a mycotoxin that is closely related to aflatoxin. STG is produced from several species of mold such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Bipolaris. It is considered to be carcinogenic, particularly in the cells of the GI tract and liver. STG has been found in the dust from damp carpets.

Aspergillus Auto-Toxin (Sterigmatocystin) carcinogenic (causes cancer), mutagenic (causes mutations), andteratogenic (causes malformations of the fetus), hepatotoxic (liver); can cause autoimmune diseases.

Sterigmatocystin (STG) is a mycotoxin that is closely related to aflatoxin. STG is produced from several species of mold such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Bipolaris. It is considered to be carcinogenic, particularly in the cells of the GI tract and liver. STG has been found in the dust from damp carpets.

The fungus Aspergillus fumigatus causes allergic diseases, respiratory illnesses, and bloodstream infections.

Found worldwide, Aspergillus fumigatus can colonize in the bronchial tracts of asthmatics, causing severe asthma and low lung functions and sometimes leading to severe conditions.

Within the larger Aspergillus genus, Aspergillus fumigatus is typically blue-green to gray in color with a woolly or cotton-like texture. Although Aspergillus is considered a seasonal outdoor mold that's often found on decaying vegetation, it can also colonize indoor environments such as air-conditioning systems, and it's one of the three most common indoor airborne fungi (along with Penicillium and Cladosporium).

Aspergillus requires minimal moisture, and some species tolerate very dry conditions. As such, Aspergillus can grow rapidly in areas that can't support other molds. It produces small, dry, and easily aerosolized spores, which make them a significant indoor air contaminant. If you're allergic to Aspergillus fumigatus, you may experience symptoms after inhaling its spores.

Aspergillus Hemolysis can cause immune suppression and is carcinogenic.

Aspergillus is the genus of asexual spore-forming mold species common in many climates. It is found in soil, water and air. Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus are common molds to which humans are exposed.

Aspergillus Hemolysis can cause immune suppression and is carcinogenic.

Aspergillus is the genus of asexual spore-forming mold species common in many climates. It is found in soil, water and air. Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus are common molds to which humans are exposed.

Aspergillus/Penicillium Neuro Auto-Toxin (Gliotoxin) can cause immune suppression, neurotoxicity (has been linked to multiple sclerosis and others), immune toxicity.

Gliotoxin  is produced by the mold genus Aspergillus. Aspergillus spreads in the environment by releasing conidia which are capable of infiltrating the small alveolar airways of individuals. In order to evade the body’s defenses Aspergillus releases Gliotoxin to inhibit the immune system. One of the targets of Gliotoxin is PtdIns (3,4,5) P3. This result in the downregulation of phagocytic immune defense, which can lead to the exacerbation of polymicrobial infections. Gliotoxin impairs the activation of T-cells and induces apoptosis in monocytes and in monocyte-derived dendritic cells. These impairments to dendritic cells can lead to multiple neurological syndromes. Retesting is recommended after 3-6 months of treatment.

Gliotoxin is produced by the common indoor mold genus Aspergillus and is immunosuppressive (=it can dampen the body's ability to ward off disease and infection).

Aspergillus/Penicillium Neuro Auto-Toxin (Gliotoxin) can cause immune suppression, neurotoxicity (has been linked to multiple sclerosis and others), immune toxicity.

Gliotoxin  is produced by the mold genus Aspergillus. Aspergillus spreads in the environment by releasing conidia which are capable of infiltrating the small alveolar airways of individuals. In order to evade the body’s defenses Aspergillus releases Gliotoxin to inhibit the immune system. One of the targets of Gliotoxin is PtdIns (3,4,5) P3. This result in the downregulation of phagocytic immune defense, which can lead to the exacerbation of polymicrobial infections. Gliotoxin impairs the activation of T-cells and induces apoptosis in monocytes and in monocyte-derived dendritic cells. These impairments to dendritic cells can lead to multiple neurological syndromes. Retesting is recommended after 3-6 months of treatment.

Gliotoxin is produced by the common indoor mold genus Aspergillus and is immunosuppressive (=it can dampen the body's ability to ward off disease and infection).

Astrovirus can cause diarrheal illness (gastroenteritis). Infants and young children are most likely to have diarrhea caused by astroviruses, but the infection also occurs in the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

Atrazine one of the most widely used herbicides in US to prevent pre- and postemergence broadleaf weeds in crops such as maize (corn) and sugarcane and on turf, such as golf courses and residential lawns. It used to be the most commonly detected pesticide contaminating drinking water and studies suggest it is an endocrine disruptor, an agent that can alter the natural hormonal system. The implications for children’s health are related to effects during pregnancy and during sexual development.

Atrazine is a common herbicide used in agriculture to control weeds. When it's used, it can break down in the environment into different forms, one of which is atrazine mercapturate. Atrazine and its breakdown products have been linked to potential health concerns, including disruptions to hormone systems and possibly increased risks of certain health issues. Testing for atrazine mercapturate can give insight into whether someone has been exposed to atrazine and its metabolites, which could be helpful in understanding potential health impacts or guiding strategies for reducing exposure.