Invasion of the alveolar-capillary barrier by Aspergillus spp.: therapeutic and diagnostic implications for immunocompromised patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.

Aspergillus spp. are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. This review provides an overview of host defenses, the mechanisms by which the alveolar-capillary barrier is breeched by Aspergillus, and the implications for diagnosis and treatment of patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.