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Updated: Sep 27, 2026

Infection of Zebrafish Larvae with Aspergillus Spores for Analysis of Host-Pathogen Interactions
Published on: May 16, 2020
Unusual case of bowel infarction with invasive Aspergillus in an immunocompromised patient
1Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre, Singapore, 11 Hospital Drive, Singapore 169610. dmotmh@nccs.com.sg
Introduction:
We report a patient with bowel infarction due to invasive Aspergillus infection as a result of prolonged chemotherapy-induced neutropenia.
Clinical Picture:
The patient was given neoadjuvant chemotherapy with doxorubicin, docetaxel, and capecitabine for a breast tumour. She developed prolonged neutropenia, Escherichia coli and Candida krusei sepsis, acute arterial thrombosis of the left lower limb, and invasive aspergillus infection.
Treatment:
She underwent a subtotal colectomy, small intestine resection and an above-knee amputation.
Outcome:
The hospitalisation was complicated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia and short gut syndrome. She subsequently underwent simple mastectomy with axillary clearance and received adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation without complication.
Conclusion:
Chemotherapy should be protocol-directed. In a non-trial situation, protocol must have a sound basis, proven safety, and efficacy. Aspergillus infection is uncommon in patients with solid tumours; prompt treatment must be started on high suspicion.
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