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Pulmonary oxalosis caused by Aspergillus niger
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|March 1, 1984
Summary
A rare case of mixed bacterial and Aspergillus niger lung infection was treated successfully. This fungal infection, likely secondary, caused lung damage via oxalic acid production.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pleuropulmonary infections can involve complex polymicrobial etiologies.
- Fungal coinfections, particularly with Aspergillus species, can complicate bacterial lung infections.
Observation:
- A case report details a patient with a mixed bacterial infection and Aspergillus niger in the lungs.
- The Aspergillus niger was identified as a potential secondary invader contributing to lung pathology.
Findings:
- Successful treatment involved a multimodal approach: antibiotics, amphotericin B (aerosolized and IV), and surgical intervention.
- Aspergillus niger was implicated in causing lung damage through the elaboration of oxalic acid.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering and managing fungal coinfections in severe bacterial pneumonia.
- Understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of Aspergillus niger, such as oxalic acid production, is crucial for targeted therapy.
- Multidisciplinary management, including infectious disease specialists, pulmonologists, and surgeons, is essential for favorable outcomes in complex pleuropulmonary infections.