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Updated: Jul 30, 2025

Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology
Published on: March 22, 2012
Infection due to Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus oryzae complex in a patient with diabetes mellitus
María Alejandra Pérez1, Luisa Martínez2, Juan Bravo3
1Departamento de Infectología, Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia. mariaperezardila@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Fungal sinusitis is a pathology that can occur in patients with diabetes mellitus and be associated with a hyperglycemic crisis. It is an aggressive entity with local complications that include involvement of the orbit or the central nervous system, and vascular involvement. Despite surgical and antifungal treatment, mortality raises up to 75%. We report the case of a female patient with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis and signs of unilateral ophthalmoplegia, which led to the study with magnetic resonance imaging of the central nervous system, finding signs of sinusitis, meningitis, and cerebritis. Initial microbiological studies were negative, and biomarkers such as serum galactomannan and Cryptococcus antigen were also negative. After surgical management and the identification of Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus spp. in sinus tissue, the patient received treatment with posaconazole and after two months of follow-up she presented clinical improvement. Dual fungal infection and infection by A. flavus are uncommon and clinically relevant entities, with no cases previously reported in our country, therefore this corresponds to a case of clinical interest.
Insights
This case study highlights a rare dual fungal infection (Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus spp.) in a diabetic ketoacidosis patient with aggressive fungal sinusitis. Early diagnosis and targeted antifungal treatment led to clinical improvement.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Endocrinology
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