Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 29, 2026
08:01
Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology
Published on: March 22, 2012
31.0K
Orbital aspergillosis in immunocompetent patients
Kruti H Mody1, Mohammad Javed Ali1, Geeta K Vemuganti2
1Division of Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|May 15, 2014
Summary
Orbital aspergillosis can affect immunocompetent individuals, presenting with proptosis and sinus involvement. Early diagnosis via histopathology and avoiding steroids before confirmation are crucial for effective treatment and survival.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Orbital aspergillosis is typically associated with immunocompromised individuals.
- This study focuses on the characteristics of this fungal infection in immunocompetent patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the clinical, ultrasonographic, radiological, and histopathological features of orbital aspergillosis in immunocompetent patients.
- To enhance understanding of this rare presentation for improved diagnosis and management.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records of immunocompetent patients diagnosed with orbital aspergillosis between 1995 and 2010.
- Analysis of clinical presentations, imaging findings (CT scans), histopathological results, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Thirty-five cases were analyzed, with proptosis and mass lesions being common symptoms.
- CT scans revealed infiltrative lesions, bone destruction, paranasal sinus involvement, and intracranial extension in a significant number of cases.
- Aspergillus flavus was the most common fungal species identified; successful treatment involved medical management and/or surgical debulking, with a high survival rate.
Conclusions:
- Orbital aspergillosis should be considered in immunocompetent individuals presenting with insidious proptosis and paranasal sinus involvement.
- Definitive diagnosis relies on histopathological and microbiological evaluation, and systemic steroids should be withheld until diagnosis is confirmed.
- Systemic antifungal therapy combined with potential surgical debulking offers good disease control and improves patient survival.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
2.0K
Transmission-based precautions are for patients infected or suspected to be infected (or colonized) with organisms posing a significant risk to others. The transmission precautions include airborne and protective environment precautions.
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
2.0K
01:28Fungal Phylum Ascomycota
2.4K
Phylum Ascomycota, a major division within the subkingdom Dikarya, comprises a diverse range of fungal species, including both unicellular yeasts and filamentous molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi thrive in a variety of habitats, from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial environments, playing crucial ecological and economic roles.Morphology and ReproductionThe defining characteristic of Ascomycetes, commonly referred to as sac fungi, is the ascus—a sac-like structure that...
2.4K
01:25Immunodeficiency Diseases
3.6K
Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency...
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency...
3.6K
01:15Antifungal Agents
119
Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that exploits structural differences between fungal and mammalian cell membranes. Its amphipathic structure—featuring a hydrophobic polyene-lactone ring and a hydrophilic region containing mycosamine and carboxylic acid groups—enables selective binding to ergosterol, a sterol predominantly found in fungal plasma membranes. This selective interaction underlies the drug’s antifungal activity, although weak binding to...
119
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
5.4K
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
5.4K
01:26Brain Abscess l: Introduction
20
A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial...
20