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Published on: March 9, 2018

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an emerging fungal pathogen

F Ader1, S Nseir, R Le Berre

  • 1Service de Réanimation Médicale et Maladies Infectieuses, CH de Tourcoing, Tourcoing, France. fader@ch-tourcoing.fr

Clinical Microbiology and Infection : the Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
|May 11, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Corticosteroid treatment is a key risk factor for invasive aspergillosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Early diagnosis and treatment, including potential steroid reduction, are crucial for survival in these patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is increasingly reported in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • A study identified corticosteroid treatment as the sole risk factor for invasive fungal infection in 13 ICU-admitted COPD patients with acute respiratory distress.

Discussion:

  • Invasive aspergillosis should be suspected in COPD patients on steroid therapy presenting with extensive pulmonary infiltrates.
  • The findings highlight the critical role of corticosteroids in predisposing COPD patients to invasive fungal infections.

Key Insights:

  • Corticosteroid use is a significant risk factor for invasive aspergillosis in COPD patients.
  • Prompt diagnosis and timely, appropriate antifungal treatment are essential for improving survival rates.
  • Reducing or interrupting corticosteroid therapy should be considered in the management strategy.

Outlook:

  • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms of corticosteroid-induced susceptibility in COPD.
  • Development of targeted prophylactic or therapeutic strategies for aspergillosis in this vulnerable patient group is warranted.

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