Answer: Fungus
Notes: A new research paper identifies Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA), a life-threatening fungal infection, mostly in tuberculosis survivors in Assam’s tea plantations. Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA) is caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungus that infects individuals with weak immune systems. It commonly affects people with pre-existing lung damage, like from TB, and shares symptoms with TB. Symptoms include coughing up blood, weight loss, fatigue, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Treatment involves antifungal medication and sometimes surgery. Aspergillus fungi are widely found in soil, decaying plants, and grains, but only a few species pose a threat to humans.
