Microbiological and immunological characteristics of a lethal pulmonary Aspergillus niger infection in a non-neutropenic patient

Publication date: Available online 7 March 2018 Source:Medical Mycology Case Reports Author(s): Jessica D. Workum, Suzanne W. de Jong, Mark S. Gresnigt, Katharina L. Becker, Peter Pickkers, Frank L. van de Veerdonk, Yvonne F. Heijdra, Eva Kolwijck Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is increasingly described in non-neutropenic patients, such as patients with COPD receiving corticosteroids and the critically ill. Here, we present a case of a lethal pulmonary Aspergillus niger infection in a COPD patient. Immunological tests showed an impaired innate and adaptive immune response to Aspergillus. A history of COPD, unresponsiveness to antibiotics and especially a suggestive CT-scan should trigger the clinician to consider diseases caused by Aspergillus.
Source: Medical Mycology Case Reports - Category: Biology Source Type: research