Final answer:
Immunocompromised individuals, especially those with weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS and cancer or transplant patients, as well as those with chronic lung diseases, are at highest risk for developing aspergillosis and aspergillomas.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients at Risk for Aspergillosis and Aspergillomas
Patients most at risk for aspergillosis causing aspergillomas are the immunocompromised. This includes individuals with weakened immune systems due to conditions such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, transplant patients taking immunosuppressive drugs, and individuals on long-term corticosteroid therapy. Additionally, patients with chronic lung diseases like tuberculosis and COPD are more susceptible to aspergillomas, which are fungal balls in the lungs. Situations like surgery, burns, or invasive medical devices can also predispose even healthy individuals to primary cutaneous aspergillosis if there's direct inoculation of Aspergillus into a wound.
Diagnosis of aspergillosis might involve chest radiographs and serological tests to identify Aspergillus antigens, while treatment generally includes antifungal medications such as voriconazole or itraconazole. In severe or disseminated cases of aspergillosis, aggressive approaches like surgical resection of aspergillomas or consideration of immunotherapy might be necessary.