Case report: Disseminated aspergillosis complicating influenza

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Aspergillus species cause diverse diseases, including hypersensitivity and invasive infections.
• Invasive aspergillosis typically affects severely immunocompromised individuals, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or transplantation.
• It is an underrecognized complication in critically ill patients lacking traditional risk factors.

Observation:

• This report details a case of invasive aspergillosis.
• The infection complicated influenza and diabetic ketoacidosis.
• The aspergillosis disseminated to the central nervous system.

Findings:

• The patient experienced invasive aspergillosis as a complication of influenza and diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Central nervous system dissemination of the fungal infection occurred.
• Despite intensive antifungal therapy, the patient demised.

Implications:

• Critically ill patients, even without standard risk factors, may be susceptible to invasive aspergillosis.
• Influenza and diabetic ketoacidosis may represent risk factors for invasive aspergillosis.
• Early recognition and aggressive management are crucial, though outcomes can still be poor.