Sensitization to Aspergillus and Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis in a Cystic Fibrosis Population

ABSTRACT The prevalence of sensitization to Aspergillus and of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) was studied in 222 patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) older than 6 years of age. Sensitization to Aspergillus was evaluated by both skin prick and intradermal testing. Signs of ABPA were considered: positive prick or intradermal test or both, total serum IgE (PRIST) levels above 2 SD of the mean for age, specific IgE (RAST) ≥ 0.7 PRU/ml, serum precipitating antibodies, peripheral eosinophilia (>0.35 × 109 cells/L), and asthma. ABPA was considered probable if five criteria were achieved and possible if only four were present (always including a positive Aspergillus skin test). Of 222 patients, 124 (56%) were sensitized to Aspergillus, and they showed a worse clinical score and pulmonary function than did nonsensitized subjects. Fifty-two (23%) had ABPA without any substantial clinical difference (age, Chrispin-Norman chest x-ray score, clinical score, pulmonary function) between those with probable...