The varying manifestations of Aspergillus lung disease.

The fungus Aspergillus may cause a variety of pulmonary disorders as a result of its ability to act as an allergen, as a simple saprophyte or as an infectious organism. The clinical manifestations range from hypersensitivity syndromes, in which corticosteroid therapy may be indicated, to disseminated infections, in which corticosteroid agents may be causative. The diagnosis may not be immediately apparent. Six cases are presented to illustrate the sometimes confusing manifestations of the disease.