Infection by Aspergillus fungi, mainly pulmonary. Also see Aspergillus and Aflatoxin.LungEncyclopedia Entry for Aspergillosis :Aspergillosis precipitin. A blood sample is needed. The sample is sent to a laboratory where it is examined for precipitin bands that form when aspergillus antibodies are present.There is no special preparation.When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or slight bruising. This soon goes away.Your health care provider may order this test if you have signs of an aspergillosis infection.A normal test result means you do not have aspergillus antibodies. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.A positive result means antibodies to the fungus have been detected. This result means you have been exposed to the fungus at some point, but it does not necessarily mean you have an active infection. False-negative results are possible. For example, invasive aspergillosis often does not produce a positive result, even though aspergillus is present.Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others. Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include: Excessive bleeding Fainting or feeling lightheaded Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin) Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken).Aspergillus immunodiffusion test; Test for precipitating antibodies.Blood test Blood test.Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Aspergillus antibody.Encyclopedia Entry for Aspergillosis :Aspergillosis. Aspergillosis is caused by a fungus called aspergillus. The fungus is often found growing on dead leaves, stored grain, compost piles, or in other decaying vegetation. It can also be found on marijuana leaves. Although most people are often exposed to aspergillus, infections caused by the fungus rarely occur in people who have a healthy immune system. There are several forms of aspergillosis: Allergic pulmonary aspergillosis is an allergic reaction to the fungus. This infection usually develops in people who already have lung problems such as asthma or cystic fibrosis. Aspergilloma is a growth (fungus ball) that develops in an area of past lung disease or lung scarring such as tuberculosis or lung abscess. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a serious infection with pneumonia. It can spread to other parts of the body. This infection occurs most often in people with a weakened immune system. This can be from cancer, AIDS, leukemia, an organ transplant, chemotherapy, or other conditions or drugs that lower the number or function of white blood cells or weaken the immune system.Symptoms depend on the type of infection. Symptoms of allergic pulmonary aspergillosis may include: Cough Coughing up blood or brownish mucus plugs Fever General ill feeling (malaise) Wheezing Weight loss Other symptoms depend on the part of the body affected, and may include: Bone pain Chest pain Chills Decreased urine output Headaches Increased phlegm production, which may be bloody Shortness of breath Skin sores (lesions) Vision problems.The health care provider will perform a physical examination and ask about the symptoms. Tests to diagnose aspergillus infection include: Aspergillus antibody test Chest x-ray Complete blood count CT scan Galactomannan (a molecule from the fungus that is sometimes found in the blood) Immunoglobulin E (IgE) blood level Lung function tests Sputum stain and culture for aspergillus Tissue biopsy.A fungus ball is usually not treated with antifungal medicines unless there is bleeding into the lung tissue. In such a case, surgery and medicines are needed. Invasive aspergillosis is treated with several weeks of an antifungal medicine. It can be given by mouth or IV (into a vein). Endocarditis caused by aspergillus is treated by surgically replacing the infected heart valves. Long-term antifungal drugs are also needed. Allergic aspergillosis is treated with drugs that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressive drugs), such as prednisone.With treatment, people with allergic aspergillosis usually get better over time. It is common for the disease to come back (relapse) and need repeat treatment. If invasive aspergillosis does not get better with drug treatment, it eventually leads to death. The outlook for invasive aspergillosis also depends on the person's underlying disease and immune system health.Health problems from the disease or treatment include: Amphotericin B can cause kidney damage and unpleasant side effects such as fever and chills Bronchiectasis (permanent scarring and enlargement of the small sacs in the lungs) Invasive lung disease can cause massive bleeding from the lung Mucus plugs in the airways Permanent airway blockage Respiratory failure.Call your provider if you develop symptoms of aspergillosis or if you have a weakened immune system and develop a fever.Precautions should be taken when using medicines that suppress the immune system.Aspergillus infection.Aspergilloma Aspergilloma Pulmonary aspergillosis Pulmonary aspergillosis Aspergillosis - chest X-ray Aspergillosis - chest x-ray.Patterson TF. Aspergillus species.Encyclopedia Entry for Aspergillosis :Aspergillosis. Source of disease: Aspergillus species