Emerging Aspergillus lentulus infections in India

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a serious fungal infection, typically affecting immunocompromised individuals.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a known risk factor for respiratory infections.
• Aspergillus lentulus is an emerging fungal pathogen with potential antifungal resistance.

Observation:

• Two cases of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis were identified in India.
• Both patients were critically ill and had underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Neither patient was neutropenic, challenging the typical understanding of IPA risk factors.

Findings:

• This is the first report of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus lentulus in India.
• The cases highlight that non-neutropenic, critically ill COPD patients are susceptible to this specific Aspergillus species.
• Identification of Aspergillus lentulus is crucial due to potential implications for treatment strategies.

Implications:

• These findings expand the known spectrum of hosts susceptible to Aspergillus lentulus.
• Clinicians should consider Aspergillus lentulus in critically ill COPD patients, even without neutropenia.
• Further research is needed to understand the epidemiology and optimal management of Aspergillus lentulus infections in this population.