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Pulmonary Aspergillus Nodule in an Immunocompetent Host: A Case Report
Ahmad Alikhani1, Pooria Sobhanian2, Mahla Hosseinzade2
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences Sari Iran.
Clinical Case Reports
|July 10, 2026
Summary
This case report details a rare pulmonary Aspergillus nodule in an immunocompetent individual. Antifungal treatment with voriconazole effectively reduced the nodule size, highlighting potential risks even in healthy patients.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Aspergillus species are common fungal pathogens causing severe infections in immunocompromised individuals.
- Pulmonary Aspergillus infections typically manifest in patients with weakened immune systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of a pulmonary Aspergillus nodule in an immunocompetent patient.
- To emphasize that Aspergillus infections can occur in individuals without underlying immune deficiencies.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a 52-year-old male with incidental discovery of a chronic cough.
- Diagnostic imaging included chest X-ray and spiral lung CT scan.
- Needle aspiration for staining and culture confirmed Aspergillus diagnosis.
Main Results:
- A pulmonary mass was identified in the left lower lobe.
- Diagnosis of pulmonary Aspergillus nodule was confirmed via invasive sampling.
- Treatment with voriconazole led to significant clinical improvement and nodule size reduction.
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary Aspergillus nodules can occur in immunocompetent individuals.
- This case underscores the importance of considering fungal infections beyond immunocompromised populations.
- Voriconazole demonstrated efficacy in treating this rare presentation.
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