Role of Aspergillus fumigatus Sensitization in Patients with Asthma-COPD Overlap Compared to Asthma Patients

Abstract

Background: Distinguishing asthma from COPD can be difficult especially among old age and smokers. Some patients have common features of asthma and COPD.1 (GINA, 2018). Hence, the definition of asthma COPD overlap (ACO) was developed. ACO is a considerable risk factor for healthcare utilization versus the general population, the asthma population and the COPD population.2 (Minchul Kim et al., 2019). Fungal sensitization increase severity of asthma. Aim of the study: To compare the prevalence of aspergillus fumigatus sensitization among ACO patients versus asthmatic patients and healthy normal control. Patients and Methods: 90 individuals were included; 30 diagnosed as bronchial asthma (According to GINA 2018), 30 ACO patients and 30 healthy normal control. All are group matched to age and sex and selected from the allergy and chest outpatient clinics at Ain shams University hospitals. Total IgE, skin test for Aspergillus and spirometry were done to all participants. Results: Aspergillus sensitization was more prevalent among ACO group compared to asthma group however, all control individuals were negative to aspergillus. FEV1 was significantly lower among ACO and asthma groups when compared to control. FEV1 increased significantly in the three groups after albuterol inhalation. Conclusion: sensitization to Aspergillus was more among ACO patients compared to Asthma and control groups