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Pulmonary Fungal Infections in Immunocompetent Patients

Juan José Arenas-Jiménez1,2,3, Tomás Franquet4,5, Randall Rojas-Varela6

  • 1Department of Radiology, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis de Alicante.

Journal of Thoracic Imaging
|May 25, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Fungal infections in immunocompetent individuals are a growing concern, often presenting with nonspecific symptoms. This review details pulmonary fungal infections in those without compromised immunity, focusing on endemic mycoses and Aspergillus.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Fungal infections pose increasing global health challenges.
  • While often opportunistic, fungi can infect immunocompetent individuals.
  • Pulmonary fungal infections in non-immunocompromised hosts require specific consideration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the epidemiology, clinical presentation, radiographic findings, and pathology of fungal infections in immunocompetent patients.
  • To highlight key fungal pathogens associated with pulmonary disease in this population.
  • To discuss diagnostic considerations, particularly for endemic mycoses and Aspergillus-related conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on fungal infections in immunocompetent individuals.
  • Analysis of incidence, clinical features, radiographic manifestations, and pathological findings.
  • Synthesis of information on endemic mycoses, Cryptococcus gattii, and Aspergillus species.

Main Results:

  • Endemic dimorphic fungi, certain Aspergillus manifestations, and Cryptococcus gattii are primary causes of pulmonary infection in immunocompetent hosts.
  • Clinical and radiological signs of endemic mycoses are often nonspecific, necessitating geographic context for diagnosis.
  • Aspergillus species cause diverse conditions, including allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and various forms of chronic aspergillosis.

Conclusions:

  • Pulmonary fungal infections in immunocompetent individuals are significant and diverse.
  • Geographic location is crucial for diagnosing endemic mycoses.
  • Recognition of the spectrum of Aspergillus-related lung diseases is essential for appropriate management.
Keywords:
fungal lung diseaseslung infectionpulmonary fungal infections

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