Strategic research directions # 1, 2, 6. Rationale for establishing a task force: Aspergillus fumigatus (AF) causes multiple hypersensitivity conditions. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), the most severe, occurs in asthma (8% prevalence), cystic fibrosis (15%) and bronchiectasis. It poses four major difficulties:-Fungal exposure: AF is a ubiquitous airborne fungus. A better understanding of the health implications, aerobiology and ecology of AF, other Aspergilli and airborne fungi needs improved investigation.-Clinical presentation: ABPA may be difficult to distinguish from other causes of pulmonary exacerbation, from SAFS, or even from baseline in high-risk populations. Overlooked ABPA exposes to irreversible pulmonary remodeling.-Fungal sensitization: Demonstration of specific IgE for AF through blood or skin tests has a low positive predictive value for ABPA; -Diagnostic criteria: The 1977 score was barely updated in 2013 by the ISHAM. Further updates are called for by recent studies. An allergy society-endorsed recommendation for ABPA is lacking.Aim:Provide the EAACI and the medical community with state-of-the-art position papers, taking advantage of the collaboration established with the EAACI WG Aerobiology and Pollution:-what is currently known about AF and related hypersensitivity diseases;-what are the current best options for the diagnosis of ABPA;-what are the currently unmet needs in ABPA.Outcomes and possible benefits for EAACI: close gaps in clinical and pathology guidelines, provide evidence-based recommendations for treatment options, address new matters of concern, delivering consensual information; contribute to the education of students, physicians and allied health professionals; provide clinical decision tools for physicians; foster clinical and translational research in the climate change-related domain of hypersensitivity to AF and fungi. improve the EAACI visibility in the field of fungal allergy.

Chair: Joana Vitte
Secretary: Monika Raulf