allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
Pronunciation: al-ER-jik bron-koh-PUL-muh-nair-ee as-per-jih-LOH-sis
Also written as: ABPA — Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis
A hypersensitivity disorder caused by an immunological reaction to Aspergillus species colonising the bronchial mucosa, characterised by eosinophilia, elevated IgE, and central bronchiectasis.
Full Definition
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis represents a complex immune response (IgE- and IgG-mediated) to Aspergillus fumigatus, most commonly encountered in patients with asthma or cystic fibrosis. Diagnostic criteria include elevated total serum IgE (>1000 IU/mL), immediate skin reactivity to Aspergillus, and central bronchiectasis on imaging. In children with cystic fibrosis, ABPA can accelerate pulmonary decline. Editors should ensure the full name is given on first use; the abbreviation ABPA is widely accepted. 'Aspergillosis' should not be italicised (it is an English common noun, not a Latin binomial).
Usage
Usage note: 'Aspergillus' (the genus) is italicised as a Latin binomial; 'aspergillosis' (the disease) is not. ABPA is the accepted abbreviation; expand on first use.
In Context
- "Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) was diagnosed based on a serum IgE of 2,400 IU/mL and central bronchiectasis on CT." — Paediatric cystic fibrosis centre report
- "The manuscript inconsistently italicised 'aspergillosis'; the term is an English noun and should not be italicised." — Copyeditor's query note