"Woman develops persistent high fever for 2 weeks after washing vegetables in basement" "Sudden 40°C fever after organizing moldy wardrobe" – have you ever come across such trending news? For a long time, people have focused on diseases caused by viruses and bacteria, while neglecting the health risks posed by fungi.

In recent years, the incidence of fungal pneumonia in China has been increasing year by year. Especially during the rainy season or in areas with high year-round air humidity, corners of daily life such as basements, air conditioner filters, and moldy wardrobes often become "breeding grounds" for fungi like Aspergillus. Once spores dispersed by fungi are inhaled into the lungs, they can easily cause infection and lead to fungal lung disease.

Dr. Liang Shuo, Director of the Respiratory Department at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, has been focusing on pulmonary infectious diseases and chronic respiratory diseases for over 20 years, with a particular focus on pulmonary mycoses. She points out that the symptoms of fungal pneumonia are sometimes similar to those of ordinary pneumonia, but conventional treatments are ineffective. Due to complex imaging manifestations, it is easily misdiagnosed as a tumor or other infections, and the diagnostic process highly tests clinicians' experience and professional judgment.

The Truth Behind Fungal "Invasion" of the Lungs

Pathogens of fungal pneumonia (such as Aspergillus and Cryptococcus) are widely present in nature, and they multiply rapidly especially in humid and poorly ventilated environments. The infection process has a significant "cumulative effect": enclosed areas such as basements, air conditioner filters, humidifier water tanks, and moldy wardrobes continuously serve as "breeding grounds" for fungi, with spore concentrations gradually increasing over time.

When humans are exposed for long periods without protection, the lungs, acting as the "filter" of the respiratory tract, continuously inhale and accumulate fungal spores. Once the number of spores exceeds the clearance capacity of the human immune system, or when the body's immunity declines (such as in the elderly, those with underlying diseases, or long-term medication users), fungi will "take root and colonize" in the alveoli, releasing toxins to stimulate lung tissue and eventually causing inflammation.

More dangerously, the initial symptoms of fungal pneumonia (fever, cough, sputum production, chest pain) are highly similar to those of the common cold and bacterial pneumonia. If antibiotics are used only for conventional bacterial infections, they not only fail to kill fungi but also delay the optimal treatment time, and may even cause visceral organ damage due to fungal spread.

Don't Mistake "Fungal Cough" for a Cold!

The initial symptoms of fungal lung disease are similar to those of the common cold and bacterial pneumonia, making them easily overlooked. Be vigilant in the following situations:

01 Persistent Unrelieved Symptoms

If symptoms such as cough, fever, and chest pain do not improve within 72 hours of taking conventional antibiotics, and even dyspnea, yellow sputum, or bloody sputum occur, it is necessary to screen for fungal infections such as Aspergillus and Cryptococcus neoformans.

02 History of Special Environmental Exposure

If you have been in a humid and enclosed environment such as a basement or food processing workshop for a long time, or have recently come into contact with moldy items or tended to wet flowers and plants, and then developed lung discomfort, special attention should be paid to the risk of Aspergillus infection.

Key Targets of Fungal Attacks

The following groups are vulnerable to fungal invasion such as Aspergillus and Cryptococcus neoformans due to weak immunity or respiratory function:

Elderly Population (Over 65 Years Old)

People over 65 years old experience degenerated respiratory function and weakened nasal hair filtration ability, making it difficult to clear inhaled fungal spores, thus having a higher infection risk.

Immunocompromised Individuals

People who use hormones or immunosuppressants for a long time, receive tumor radiotherapy and chemotherapy, or suffer from AIDS have weak immune defenses, making it easy for fungi to break through the "barrier" and cause infection.

Patients with Underlying Diseases

People with diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis and other diseases have impaired physical functions and significantly reduced resistance to fungi.

Specific Occupational Groups

People engaged in food processing, warehousing and logistics, basement work, and gardening are exposed to humid, dusty or moldy environments for a long time, and inhale fungal spores such as Aspergillus more frequently.

Long-term Medication Users

People who repeatedly use broad-spectrum antibiotics or have a long hospital stay are prone to disruption of the normal flora balance in the respiratory tract, creating conditions for fungal growth.

XABT Products Help with Accurate Identification

Fungal infections represented by invasive Aspergillus infection have non-specific clinical symptoms and are easily masked by bacterial and viral infections. In addition to Aspergillus, pathogens of fungal pneumonia also include Cryptococcus and Pneumocystis. Accurate detection and differentiation of these pathogens are of great clinical significance for assisting clinical diagnosis.

XABT's invasive fungal detection series includes two certified products: in addition to the Aspergillus Nucleic Acid Detection Kit (PCR Fluorescent Probe Method), there is also the Aspergillus, Cryptococcus neoformans and Pneumocystis jirovecii Nucleic Acid Detection Kit (PCR Fluorescent Probe Method).

The combination of the three-fungus panel and single Aspergillus test forms an overall fungal detection solution, which can make up for the methodological deficiencies in rapid screening of invasive fungal infections and provide a safety guarantee for the diagnosis and prevention of clinical fungal infectious diseases.

Aspergillus Nucleic Acid Detection Kit (PCR Fluorescent Probe Method)

Product Highlights:· Focuses on the main pathogens of pulmonary mycoses· Assists in the early diagnosis of pulmonary aspergillosis· Provides rapid and accurate test results· Guides precise treatment of pulmonary aspergillosis

Aspergillus, Cryptococcus neoformans and Pneumocystis jirovecii Nucleic Acid Detection Kit (PCR Fluorescent Probe Method)

Product Highlights:· Accurately detects suspected pathogenic fungal pathogens· Enables early genotyping diagnosis of common fungal genera· Provides rapid and accurate test results· Helps distinguish colonization from pathogenic infection

Persistent cough and fever unresponsive to antibiotics? Be alert to fungal infections such as Aspergillus, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Pneumocystis jirovecii! XABT focuses on the diagnosis of respiratory infectious diseases, covering all core targets, assisting in early clinical screening and intervention, and jointly safeguarding respiratory health.