Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 18, 2026

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

[Semi-invasive necrotic aspergillosis in a child with cystic fibrosis]

A-S Bonnel1, K Quinque, P Le Roux

  • 1CRCM, Département de Pédiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Général Gustave Flaubert, Le Havre, France.

Revue Des Maladies Respiratoires
|November 28, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This case study highlights a rare invasive Aspergillus fumigatus infection in a cystic fibrosis patient, successfully treated with newer antifungal agents. The study emphasizes effective management of invasive aspergillosis in CF.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Mycology

Background:

  • Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients are susceptible to Aspergillus fumigatus (AF) colonization, often presenting as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.
  • AF infections in CF can range from simple colonization to invasive disease.
  • This case details a severe manifestation in a young CF patient.

Observation:

  • A 14-year-old CF patient with chronic Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization presented with chest pain and fever.
  • Imaging revealed a 5 cm necrotic mass with an air-fluid level in the right lower lobe.
  • Bronchoalveolar lavage confirmed AF alongside bacterial pathogens.

Findings:

  • Elevated IgE levels and specific Aspergillus fumigatus IgE were noted.
  • The patient was treated with voriconazole, caspofungin, metronidazole, and linezolid.
  • Treatment led to normalization of chest X-ray findings within 8 weeks.

Implications:

  • Newer antifungal agents show promise for treating invasive aspergillosis in CF patients.
  • These agents appear effective and well-tolerated compared to traditional therapies like amphotericin B.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering invasive fungal infections in CF exacerbations.

Related Concept Videos

Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Cystic Fibrosis: Management01:24

Cystic Fibrosis: Management

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder that predominantly affects individuals of Northern European descent, occurring at a rate of 1 in 3500. It is caused by a genetic mutation in a gene on chromosome 7, most commonly the ΔF508 mutation, that codes for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. This results in thicker mucus secretions and obstruction pathologies in multiple organs, including the lungs and sinuses.
Sinus disease and chronic sinusitis...
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis01:23

Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis

Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disorder, significantly affects the function of exocrine glands. This genetically inherited disease is characterized by the production of thick and sticky mucus, which can severely affect various organs and systems in the body.
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation, but...
Fungal Phylum Ascomycota01:28

Fungal Phylum Ascomycota

Phylum Ascomycota, a major division within the subkingdom Dikarya, comprises a diverse range of fungal species, including both unicellular yeasts and filamentous molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi thrive in a variety of habitats, from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial environments, playing crucial ecological and economic roles.Morphology and ReproductionThe defining characteristic of Ascomycetes, commonly referred to as sac fungi, is the ascus—a sac-like structure that...