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Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
09:52

Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis

Published on: March 9, 2018

[Clinical presentations of nosocomial aspergillosis]

M Borges Sá1, A Liebana-Fiederling

  • 1Servicio de Medicina Intensiva, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Av. Andalucia, km 5,400, 28220 Madrid, España. marcbr@interlink.es

Revista Iberoamericana De Micologia
|March 15, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Aspergillus fungi cause frequent hospital infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Early diagnosis and treatment with amphotericin B are crucial for improving survival rates from invasive aspergillosis.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hospital Epidemiology

Context:

  • Aspergillus species are ubiquitous environmental fungi, frequently colonizing and infecting patients in healthcare settings.
  • Aspergillus infections represent the second most common fungal cause of nosocomial infections after Candida species.
  • The incidence of nosocomial aspergillosis is rising due to an increasing population of immunocompromised patients.

Purpose:

  • To highlight the significance of Aspergillus as a nosocomial pathogen.
  • To underscore the increasing threat of invasive aspergillosis in vulnerable patient groups.
  • To emphasize the critical need for prompt diagnosis and aggressive treatment strategies.

Summary:

  • Aspergillus causes a range of nosocomial infections, with pulmonary manifestations being most common.
  • Nonpulmonary infections can affect vital organs including the brain, heart, and kidneys.
  • Invasive aspergillosis carries a high mortality rate, necessitating rapid clinical-radiological suspicion and intervention.

Impact:

  • Early detection and treatment, often involving amphotericin B and surgical intervention, can significantly reduce mortality.
  • Understanding the epidemiology and clinical spectrum of Aspergillus infections is vital for infection control.
  • This highlights the importance of antifungal stewardship and targeted therapies in managing invasive fungal infections.

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