Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026
Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology
Published on: March 22, 2012
Isolation of Aspergillus in three 2009 H1N1 influenza patients
Amesh A Adalja1, Penny L Sappington, Steven P Harris
1Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, USA. ameshaa@aol.com
Objectives:
To describe the association of Aspergillus with influenza.
Design/Setting/Sample:
Three case reports of ICU patients with influenza complicated by the isolation of Aspergillus species are described and a review of the literature on the topic was performed.
Conclusions:
Severe influenza cases can be complicated by Aspergillus infection.
Insights
Severe influenza can lead to Aspergillus infections. This study describes three intensive care unit (ICU) cases and reviews the literature on this serious fungal complication.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Influenza is a significant respiratory illness, particularly severe cases requiring intensive care.
- Fungal co-infections can complicate viral respiratory illnesses, increasing morbidity and mortality.
- Aspergillus species are common environmental fungi that can cause opportunistic infections.
Observation:
- Three intensive care unit (ICU) patients with severe influenza were identified.
- Aspergillus species were isolated from respiratory samples in these patients.
- A literature review was conducted to understand the association between influenza and Aspergillus.
Findings:
- The case reports detail influenza complicated by Aspergillus isolation in ICU settings.
- The literature review supports the occurrence of Aspergillus infections in severe influenza cases.
- This highlights a potential synergistic or opportunistic relationship.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider Aspergillus co-infection in patients with severe influenza, especially those in the ICU.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of Aspergillus infections may improve outcomes for severe influenza patients.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and clinical impact of Aspergillus in influenza.
