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Chronic invasive aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus viridinutans

Donald C Vinh1, Yvonne R Shea, Pamela A Jones

  • 1National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1684, USA.

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|September 16, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Aspergillus viridinutans, a fungus that mimics Aspergillus fumigatus, caused chronic, spreading infections in two patients. Recognizing these fumigati-mimetic molds is crucial for diagnosing and treating chronic or refractory aspergillosis.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Aspergillosis is a serious fungal infection, often caused by Aspergillus fumigatus.
  • Accurate identification of fungal species is critical for effective treatment.

Observation:

  • Two patients presented with chronic, contiguous infections distinct from typical aspergillosis.
  • Gene sequence analyses identified the causative agent as Aspergillus viridinutans.

Findings:

  • Aspergillus viridinutans, a mold phenotypically similar to A. fumigatus, was identified.
  • The disease caused by A. viridinutans exhibited chronic, contiguous spread across anatomical planes.

Implications:

  • Fumigati-mimetic molds, like A. viridinutans, should be recognized as potential agents of chronic or refractory aspergillosis.
  • Enhanced diagnostic approaches are needed to differentiate A. viridinutans from A. fumigatus in clinical settings.
  • This finding may impact treatment strategies for patients with persistent or unusual aspergillosis.

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