DefinePK

Abstract

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an immune mediated disease and is an uncommon complication of bronchial asthma. It was first described in 1952 and was thought to be a. rare disorder. However, with increasing physician awareness, more and more cases are being recognised. In ABPA the immune response is against a fungus, Aspergillus. There is no tissue invasion by the fungus, instead the fungus colonises the airways of a susceptible host and produces allergens. Type I, HI and IV immune responses have been implicated in the disease process. These immune responses result in bronchospasm increased permeability of bronchial mucosa, pulmonary and blood eosinophilia, chronic inflammation and bronchial destruction brochiectasis and pulmonary fibrosis.