Aspergillus colonization in patients with bronchogenic carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Pulmonology
• Oncology

Background:

• Aspergillus galactomannan antigen is a marker for Aspergillus infection.
• Bronchogenic carcinoma patients may be susceptible to fungal infections.
• Investigating Aspergillus prevalence in lung cancer is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of Aspergillus infection in patients with bronchogenic carcinoma.
• To measure Aspergillus galactomannan antigen levels in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid.
• To correlate infection rates with patient demographics and habits.

Main Methods:

• Study included 45 bronchogenic carcinoma patients with confirmed diagnoses.
• Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum samples were collected.
• Aspergillus galactomannan antigen was measured in BAL and serum; BAL was also cultured.

Main Results:

• 35.5% of BAL cultures showed Aspergillus spp. growth (A. fumigatus, A. flavus, A. niger).
• Galactomannan antigen was detected in 58.3% of BAL samples and 47.2% of serum samples.
• High prevalence observed in male patients (93.3%), aged 51-60, with significant rates of gutka chewing (88.9%) and smoking (82.1%).

Conclusions:

• Aspergillosis is highly prevalent in lung carcinoma patients.
• Smokers and gutka chewers represent a high-risk group for aspergillosis within this patient population.
• Galactomannan antigen testing is a valuable tool for diagnosing aspergillosis in bronchogenic carcinoma patients.