In people with chronic lung conditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis, the common airborne mould Aspergillus fumigatus (AF) can cause a severe hypersensitivity reaction of the lungs. This disease is called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). ABPA affects around 8% of patients with asthma and 15% of people with cystic fibrosis. If not properly recognized and treated, ABPA can lead to permanent damage to the airways, thus resulting in deterioration of the performance of the lungs.

AF is ubiquitous and we all inhale countless spores every day. Nevertheless, most people do not develop illnesses because their immune system is strong enough to withstand the effect. The airways of people who are adversely affected are more vulnerable to repeated inhalation of AF. Such people easily get sensitized and produce antibodies directed to AF. Progression from sensitization to ABPA may be a slow process. When ABPA is suspected as a cause of airway exacerbation, the presence of such antibodies is important for diagnosis. Many teams are working to characterise how the immune system responds
to AF and this research can lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of ABPA. However, there are currently no recommendations for clinical practice. We plan to establish an EAACI Task Force which would review and analyse currently available evidence in order to provide a position paper with evidence-based recommendations on the diagnosis and treatment of ABPA.

WG Infections (Basic & Clinical Immunology Section)

Chair: Joana Vitte
Secretary: Monika Raulf