Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis associated with influenza

Fatal invasive pulmonary aspergillosis may follow viral influenza infections. Two cases with verified influenza A infection were followed by fatal necrotizing pneumonia due to Aspergillus fumigatus. Both patients demonstrated cutaneous anergy and lymphocytopenia. Influenza and perhaps other viruses that depress T-cell function may result in increased susceptibility to infections in which T cells are important in host defenses.