aspergillosis
/ˌæspərˈdʒɪləsɪs/
Definition
A severe, often life-threatening fungal infection caused by Aspergillus mold, which frequently affects the lungs, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Etymology
The term is derived from the genus name 'Aspergillus,' which is New Latin and named by botanist Pier Antonio Micheli due to its resemblance to an 'aspergillum,' a liturgical implement used for sprinkling holy water. The suffix '-osis' is a Greek-derived ending used in medicine to denote a diseased or abnormal condition.
In the news
In the article, aspergillosis is cited as an example of a dangerous fungal infection that is becoming increasingly difficult to treat due to the rise of antifungal resistance. It highlights the vulnerability of patients with compromised immune systems to such drug-resistant pathogens.
Antimicrobial resistance
Read the full article ↗World Health Organization (WHO)