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Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology
Published on: March 22, 2012
[Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in AIDS.]
E Arteaga Hernández1, E Grande Argudo
1Departamento de Anatomía Patológica, Instituto de Medicina Tropical Pedro Kourí, Ciudad Habana, Cuba. pele@ipk.sld.cu.
Abstract:
Aspergillosis is a fungal infection rarely observed in Cuba during the first years of the AIDS epidemic. However, the increase in aspergillosis cases diagnosed by autopsy in recent years, led us to study the epidemiological, clinical, radiological and anatomopathological characteristics of this disease among the Cuban AIDS patients. A total of 307 autopsies were reviewed, seven of them had invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (2.2%). The disease was predominant in men and in the white race. Neutropenia and drugs use were the risk factor more frequently observed. Clinical manifestations were those unspecific and common to other opportunistic infection of the respiratory system. The more common radiological picture were bilateral nodular infiltrates and cavitary lesions in the upper lobes (two cases). The anatomopathological diagnosis was based on the morphological characteristics of the agent and in the angioinvasive features of the pulmonary lesions. We suggest that aspergillosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of opportunistic respiratory events of AIDS patients in advanced stages.
Insights
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is increasingly diagnosed in Cuban AIDS patients, predominantly affecting men. This fungal infection presents with non-specific respiratory symptoms, highlighting its importance in advanced-stage AIDS care.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Context:
- Aspergillosis, a fungal infection, was rarely seen in Cuba during the early AIDS epidemic.
- A recent increase in autopsy-diagnosed aspergillosis cases among Cuban AIDS patients necessitates further investigation.
Purpose:
- To investigate the epidemiological, clinical, radiological, and anatomopathological characteristics of aspergillosis in Cuban patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
- To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in this population.
Summary:
- A review of 307 autopsies revealed seven cases (2.2%) of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.
- The condition was more prevalent in men and individuals of white race, with neutropenia and drug use identified as frequent risk factors.
- Clinical and radiological findings were non-specific, often mimicking other opportunistic respiratory infections, with bilateral nodular infiltrates and cavitary upper lobe lesions observed.
Impact:
- The study underscores the importance of considering invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in the differential diagnosis of opportunistic respiratory infections in advanced-stage AIDS patients in Cuba.
- Findings contribute to understanding the evolving spectrum of opportunistic infections in HIV/AIDS populations and inform clinical diagnostic approaches.
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