Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis: what’s known and what’s new

Abstract

Recent investigations concerning ABPA have expanded our understanding of the disease. The diagnostic criteria for ABPA are not standardized. Novel analytic techniques have compared the varied diagnostic criteria even in the absence of a gold standard. Additional analyses have determined the sensitivity and specificity of various parameters for the diagnosis of ABPA, as well as combinations of several parameters that have extremely high specificity and sensitivity. New biomarkers have also been proposed to diagnosis and monitor ABPA. Research concerning specific antigenic triggers of the Th2 response and HLA polymorphisms in ABPA has led to relevant new insights concerning the immunopathogenesis of the disease. Treatment trials have further clarified the optimal corticosteroid dosing regimen and the role of antifungal therapy and anti-IgE therapy for the treatment of ABPA. We suspect that such research efforts will continue to accelerate our understanding of this disease that will benefit ABPA patients.

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