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Pulmonary Fungal Diseases in Immunocompetent Hosts: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis of 35 Subjects

XiaoPei Yan1, Feng Zong2, Hui Kong3

  • 1Department of Respirology, First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, 213000, China.

Mycopathologia
|May 15, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Pulmonary fungal disease is increasing in immunocompetent individuals. Low serum albumin levels significantly predict mortality in these patients, highlighting a key prognostic factor.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Pulmonology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Pulmonary fungal disease is an emerging concern in immunocompetent individuals.
  • Characteristics of fungal lung infections in this population are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the demographics, clinical features, treatments, and prognostic factors of pulmonary fungal disease in immunocompetent patients.
  • To understand the epidemiological characteristics and outcomes of these infections in Eastern China.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective single-center study of histologically verified pulmonary fungal disease cases from 2006 to 2014.
  • Diagnosis followed European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer/Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group and National Institute of Allergy and Infection Diseases Mycoses Study Group criteria.

Main Results:

  • Aspergillus (51.4%), Cryptococcus (22.9%), and Mucor (2.4%) were the most common fungal species identified.
  • Treatments included antifungal agents (54.3%), surgery with postsurgical agents (25.7%), or surgery alone (14.3%).
  • Hypoalbuminemia was identified as the sole significant risk factor for mortality (RR=7.56) in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions:

  • Aspergillus is the predominant fungal species causing pulmonary disease in immunocompetent patients.
  • Serum albumin levels are a critical factor influencing prognosis in these patients.
  • Early identification and management of hypoalbuminemia may improve outcomes.
Keywords:
ImmunocompetentMortalityPulmonary fungal disease

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