[Pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with disseminated processes in the lungs]

Sera of 30 patients with disseminated processes in the lungs of various etiology were examined for the presence of specific IgG to antigens of Aspergillus fumigatus (A.f.) and Candida albicans (C.a.) using solid phase enzyme immunoassay. Elevated concentrations of IgG to A. f. and C. a. were found in 6 and 12 patients, respectively. Serodiagnosis was confirmed by a direct detection of the fungi in the bronchi (cytology of the lavage, culturing). It is highly probable that opportunistic fungi may be involved in pulmonary dissemination. Therefore, patients with disseminated pulmonary diseases should be examined for opportunistic fungi.