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Sequencing of Bacterial Microflora in Peripheral Blood: our Experience with HIV-infected Patients
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Published on: June 11, 2011

Fungus ball in HIV-infected patients

Luciana Silva Guazzelli1, Gisela Unis, Melissa Orzechowski Xavier

  • 1Post-Graduation Program in Pneumologic Science, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS).

Revista Do Instituto De Medicina Tropical De Sao Paulo
|March 9, 2010
PubMed

Insights

This study reports six cases of invasive fungal ball disease caused by Aspergillus fumigatus in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). All patients presented with hemoptysis and underlying tuberculosis, highlighting a severe complication in immunocompromised individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Aspergillus is an opportunistic fungus causing aspergillosis, a rare condition in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients.
  • Pulmonary fungal balls are a significant concern in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Tuberculosis is a common comorbidity in patients with AIDS.

Observation:

  • Six cases of pulmonary fungus ball caused by Aspergillus fumigatus in patients with AIDS are presented.
  • All reported patients exhibited hemoptysis.
  • Underlying lung disease in all cases was tuberculosis.

Findings:

  • Diagnosis of pulmonary fungus ball was established through clinical presentation, radiographic findings, and serological and mycological confirmation of Aspergillus fumigatus.
  • The co-occurrence of AIDS, tuberculosis, and Aspergillus fungus balls presents a complex clinical scenario.
  • Hemoptysis was a consistent symptom across all observed cases.

Implications:

  • This case series underscores the importance of considering invasive aspergillosis in AIDS patients, especially those with tuberculosis and hemoptysis.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate antifungal treatment are crucial for managing pulmonary fungus balls in this vulnerable population.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the specific pathogenesis and optimize treatment strategies for invasive aspergillosis in AIDS patients with co-existing lung infections.

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