[Systemic disease caused by the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus in immunocompromised patients]

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 5, 2026

Live Imaging of Antifungal Activity by Human Primary Neutrophils and Monocytes in Response to A. fumigatus
12:29

Live Imaging of Antifungal Activity by Human Primary Neutrophils and Monocytes in Response to A. fumigatus

Published on: April 19, 2017

M Pospísil1, P Kessler, M Kheck

  • 1Odd. klinické mikrobiologie Okresní nemocnice, Pelhrimov.

Vnitrni Lekarstvi
|August 17, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Invasive pulmonary Aspergillus infection can occur in immunocompromised patients without severe neutropenia, particularly those on corticoid treatment. Early, adequate antifungal therapy is crucial for managing this serious fungal infection.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Invasive pulmonary Aspergillus infections are a significant concern in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Risk factors typically include severe neutropenia, but other conditions may predispose patients.

Observation:

  • This study details three cases of invasive pulmonary Aspergillus infection.
  • Patients presented with conditions including plasmacytoma, autoimmune thrombocytopenia, and asthma bronchiale.
  • Crucially, none of the patients had severe neutropenia.

Findings:

  • Corticoid treatment was identified as a common risk factor across all three cases.
  • The findings suggest that invasive pulmonary aspergillosis should be considered even in immunocompromised patients without neutropenia.
  • Early and sufficient antifungal treatment is vital for successful disease control.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering Aspergillus infection in a broader range of immunocompromised patients.
  • Emphasizes the critical role of corticoids as a potential risk factor.
  • Underscores the necessity of prompt and prolonged antimycotic therapy for better patient outcomes.

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