A life-threatening fungal infection seen mainly in severely immunocompromised patients (e.g. leukaemia, transplant recipients). Spores inhaled into the lungs germinate and invade tissue, potentially spreading via the bloodstream. Symptoms include persistent fever unresponsive to antibacterial therapy, respiratory distress, and haemoptysis (coughing up blood). High-dose antifungal therapy is central to management.
