Understanding Lab Tests for Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis
Written by Private MD Labs Medical Writing Team • Last Updated: September 8, 2025
Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) is a complex lung condition that occurs when the immune system overreacts to certain fungi, primarily Aspergillus species. This hypersensitivity reaction can cause severe asthma-like symptoms and lung inflammation, particularly in people with asthma or cystic fibrosis.
Top Recommended Test
Allergy Evaluation 6, South Central
Alternaria alternata (m6) is a type of fungus which can cause allergic reactions in the lungs, leading to conditions like Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis.
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How Blood Tests Diagnose ABPA
Blood tests are fundamental for diagnosing ABPA by measuring specific antibodies (IgE and IgG) that the immune system produces in response to fungal allergens. These tests can identify both immediate allergic reactions (IgE antibodies) and chronic immune responses (IgG antibodies) to various fungi that may trigger this condition.
Other Relevant Tests
Bermuda Grass (g2) IgE
Although rare, this condition can occur in people with asthma or cystic fibrosis, and it could be aggravated by allergens such as Bermuda Grass. Elevated levels of Bermuda Grass (g2) IgE antibodies could indicate an immune response to the allergen.
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Aureobasidium Pullulans (m12) IgG
Although this condition is typically associated with the fungus Aspergillus, other fungi like Aureobasidium Pullulans can also trigger similar responses. High levels of Aureobasidium Pullulans IgG antibodies indicate an immunological reaction to this fungal allergen.
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Alternaria alternata (m6) IgG
Although Aspergillus is the primary fungus involved in this condition, Alternaria alternata can also be involved. Elevated levels of Alternaria alternata IgG biomarker can indicate an immune response to this fungus, leading to an allergic inflammation in the lungs.
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Respiratory Allergy Panel Region III: GA, northern FL, SC
This comprehensive panel tests for multiple fungal allergens including Alternaria alternata, which can occasionally be associated with this condition. It's characterized by a hypersensitive response in the lungs to the inhalation of mold spores, and can also detect reactions to oak pollen which may cause similar symptoms.
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Respiratory Allergy Profile Region I: CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT
This regional panel tests for various fungal allergens including Penicillium notatum, which can cause an exaggerated immune system response (hypersensitivity) characteristic of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis.
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Respiratory Allergy Profile Region VI: AL, AR, LA, MS
Cladosporium herbarum is a type of mold that can cause allergic reactions and trigger conditions like Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis, especially in individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma or cystic fibrosis.
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Respiratory Allergy Profile Region VIII: IA, IL, MO
This fungal allergen panel can identify triggers that cause severe allergic reactions in lungs, leading to conditions like Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis in sensitive individuals.
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Respiratory Allergy Profile Region XI: AZ (mountains), CO, ID (mountains), MT, NM, UT, WY
This regional panel tests for molds and fungal allergens that can cause allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, a lung condition characterized by wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
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Respiratory Allergy Profile Region XVI: OR, WA (central and east)
This panel specifically tests for Aspergillus fumigatus and Cladosporium herbarum, both of which can trigger allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, particularly in individuals with severe asthma and cystic fibrosis.
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Respiratory Allergy Profile Region XVII: CA (northwest), OR (west), WA (west)
This panel tests for multiple fungal triggers including Penicillium notatum, which can cause the exaggerated immune response characteristic of ABPA, leading to wheezing, cough, and potentially progression to bronchiectasis.
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Respiratory Allergy Profile Region XV: ID (south), NV
Exposure to Alternaria alternata can lead to allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in some people, characterized by symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
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Respiratory Allergy Profile Region XVIII: Alaska
Aspergillus fumigatus can cause a severe allergic reaction in the lungs known as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, which can cause symptoms such as wheezing, cough, and difficulty breathing.
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Allergen Specific IgE Fusarium solani
While this condition is typically associated with the fungus Aspergillus, Fusarium solani can also be implicated. If Allergen Specific IgE to Fusarium solani is elevated, it may indicate an allergic response in the lungs, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, cough, and shortness of breath.
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Trichoderma viride (m15) IgG
Elevated levels of Trichoderma viride (m15) IgG antibodies can indicate an allergic response to this fungus, which may lead to conditions like Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis. This condition is characterized by an extreme response to the fungus in the lungs, leading to inflammation and potential lung damage.
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Understanding Your Test Results
Elevated IgE levels indicate an immediate allergic response to specific fungi, while elevated IgG levels suggest a chronic immune reaction. Both types of antibodies play important roles in the diagnosis of ABPA. Regional allergy panels are particularly useful as they test for multiple allergens common to specific geographic areas.
Important Considerations
The information here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of ABPA, as this condition requires specialized management and monitoring.
