Disease name and synonyms Severe asthma with fungal sensitization (SAFS), Fungal-associated (severe) asthma |
Fungi responsible Many, some alone, some collectively. Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium chrysogenum, Cladosporium herbarum, Alternaria alternata, Candida albicans, Trichophyton spp. and probably others. |
Disease description Severe asthma as defined by the 2009 ATS/ERS guidelines or earlier BTS guidelines. In practice this means a low FEV1 or peak flow (usually persistently), high dose inhaled steroids and/or frequent courses of oral steroids. (See video of patient sensitive to alternaria). |
Frequency and global burden Probably worldwide. Severe asthma affects 5-20% of those with asthma, depending on definition and denominator. Of these, 35-50% have SAFS, depending on how extensively they are tested. Six million of people with SAFS are a conservative estimate. |
Underlying problems and at risk patients Asthma. No specific risk factors identified. Possibly genetic in part. |
Diagnostic testing Total IgE may be normal or elevated, but is <1,000 KIU/L. Skin test or specific IgE test positive for any fungus. |
Treatments Conventional treatment for asthma. Itraconazole (or another azole, not fluconazole) benefits ~60% patients in terms of quality of life, although not necessarily improved lung function. |
Outlook and prognosis Severe asthma is a very debilitating disorder, with frequent medical contacts and multiple treatments. Poorly treated or late treatment results in some intensive care admissions or deaths each year, but it not known how many of these are in SAFS patients. |
Images & Video
Video of patient with allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis - to alternaria
A visual guide to damp, mold and indoor air pollution
Skin testing for multiple allergens. On the right are the positive control (histamine) and negative control (saline). The top row shows from left to right house dust mite (negative), grasses (positive), dog (negative), cat (non-significant positive). The bottom row from left to right shows Botrytis, Penicillium, Candida albicans, Cladosporium, Alternaria and Aspergillus fumigatus (all negative). So this patient with severe asthma does not have SAFS, unless his specific IgE tests are positive
An example of a patient sensitized to Cladosporium only (arrow) among the fungi tested. She was also sensitized to house dust mite, dog and pollen (lower row).
An example of a CT of the lungs in a patient with SAFS after spending 3 weeks in intensive care, showing ground glass patchy shadows.