About Aspergillus fumigatus
- It is a species of fungus that causes diseases in humans.
- It can be found throughout the environment, including in soil, plant matter, and household dust.
- The fungus can also produce airborne spores called conidia. Most people can inhale many of these spores on a daily basis.
- In a healthy individual, the immune system often clears them from the body without a problem. However, for some people, inhaling A. fumigatus, spores can lead to a potentially severe infection.
- Aspergillus fumigatus is considered an opportunistic organism. It has low virulence (ability to cause damage) and causes disease only in some circumstances, like:
- A severely weakened state caused by sickness, poor nutrition, advanced age, etc.
- Immunosuppression by diseases or medicines
- Implants use, such as prosthetic devices
- Illness Caused:
- An infection that’s caused by an Aspergillus species of fungus is referred to as aspergillosis.
- Aspergillus can cause allergic reactions, chronic lung conditions, and an invasive disease that spreads to your brain, kidneys, lungs, or other organs.
- Symptoms:
- The symptoms of aspergillosis vary depending on the type and location of your body.
- Symptoms of infections or allergic reactions in your lungs are the most common. They include:
- Coughing (sometimes coughing up blood).
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
- Noisy breathing (wheezing).
- Chest pain.
- Fever.
- Fatigue and weight loss can be symptoms of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis.
- Treatment: Treatments include surgery and antifungal medications.
Q1) What is a fungus?
A fungus (plural: fungi) is a type of eukaryotic organism belonging to the kingdom Fungi, alongside plants, animals, protozoa, and monera. Fungi are incredibly diverse, with commonly encountered forms including yeast, molds, truffles, and mushrooms.
Source: Unlocking the secrets of disease-causing fungus Aspergillus fumigatus
Last updated on June, 2025
→ UPSC Notification 2025 was released on 22nd January 2025.
→ UPSC Prelims Result 2025 is out now for the CSE held on 25 May 2025.
→ UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2025 and Unofficial Prelims Answer Key 2025 are available now.
→ UPSC Calendar 2026 is released on 15th May, 2025.
→ The UPSC Vacancy 2025 were released 1129, out of which 979 were for UPSC CSE and remaining 150 are for UPSC IFoS.
→ UPSC Mains 2025 will be conducted on 22nd August 2025.
→ UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.
→ The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.
→ UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!
→ UPSC Toppers List 2024 is released now. Shakti Dubey is UPSC AIR 1 2024 Topper.
→ Also check Best IAS Coaching in Delhi