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Multiple Choice

+IgG Aspergillus serology in asthma or cystic fibrosis is most consistent with which condition?

In asthma or cystic fibrosis, finding IgG antibodies to Aspergillus reflects a sensitization and immune response to the organism, which is the hallmark of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. ABPA is a hypersensitivity lung disease driven by colonization with Aspergillus fumigatus, so patients commonly have asthma or CF and show evidence of immune reactivity to Aspergillus, including Aspergillus-specific IgG (along with elevated IgE and other features). This pattern distinguishes ABPA from other Aspergillus-related conditions: an aspergilloma is a fungus ball in a preexisting cavity and IgG positivity alone isn’t the defining feature; invasive aspergillosis occurs in severely immunocompromised individuals with tissue invasion; and bronchitis does not center on a specific Aspergillus-driven IgG response. Therefore, IgG Aspergillus serology in this clinical setting is most consistent with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.

In asthma or cystic fibrosis, finding IgG antibodies to Aspergillus reflects a sensitization and immune response to the organism, which is the hallmark of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. ABPA is a hypersensitivity lung disease driven by colonization with Aspergillus fumigatus, so patients commonly have asthma or CF and show evidence of immune reactivity to Aspergillus, including Aspergillus-specific IgG (along with elevated IgE and other features). This pattern distinguishes ABPA from other Aspergillus-related conditions: an aspergilloma is a fungus ball in a preexisting cavity and IgG positivity alone isn’t the defining feature; invasive aspergillosis occurs in severely immunocompromised individuals with tissue invasion; and bronchitis does not center on a specific Aspergillus-driven IgG response. Therefore, IgG Aspergillus serology in this clinical setting is most consistent with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.