Correctly diagnose and treat IPA

Aspergillus species can cause a variety of diseases. Among these, invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is the most common opportunistic infection caused by moulds in immunocompromised patients and is characterized by acute invasion of hyphae into human tissue. Accordingly, the final proof of IPA is obtained histologically. The mere detection of Aspergillus on an external surface is not sufficient to make a diagnosis. If the presence of Aspergillus is detected in a sample, the correct classification of the findings will guide further diagnosis and treatment.