Correctly diagnose and treat IPA

Aspergillus species can cause a variety of diseases. Among them, invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in immunocompromised patients is the most common opportunistic infection caused by molds and is characterized by acute invasion of hyphae into human tissues. Accordingly, the final proof of IPA is histological. Detection of Aspergillus on an external surface alone is not sufficient for diagnosis. If the presence of Aspergillus is demonstrated in a specimen, the correct classification of the finding guides further diagnosis and therapy.