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Influenza-related invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in an infectious disease ward at a pulmonary referral center in Iran

Summary

This study examined patients hospitalized with influenza who developed a serious fungal infection caused by Aspergillus fungus. Among 109 influenza patients, about 9% developed this fungal complication which significantly increased their risk of death and required longer hospital stays. Patients with existing lung diseases were at higher risk, and those with the fungal infection also had more bacterial superinfections. The findings highlight the importance of recognizing and treating this serious fungal complication in hospitalized influenza patients.

Background

Influenza-associated invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a serious complication of influenza infection, primarily documented in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Limited information exists regarding IPA in non-ICU hospitalized patients with moderate influenza severity.

Objective

To assess the prevalence of IPA among non-ICU patients with confirmed influenza admitted to an infectious disease ward and to compare patient characteristics, comorbidities, and outcomes between patients with and without IPA.

Results

Among 109 influenza-positive patients, 10 (9.2%) were diagnosed with IPA. Patients with IPA had significantly higher mortality (OR=20.78, P=0.005), increased bacterial co-infections (OR=4.7, P=0.025), and longer hospital stays (median 19.5 vs 7 days, P<0.001). IPA patients had greater likelihood of underlying lung disease (OR=67, P=0.015).

Conclusion

IPA is a lethal complication of influenza in non-ICU settings with 30% mortality rate among affected patients. Underlying lung disease, bacterial co-infection, and prolonged hospitalization are significant risk factors for IPA in this population.
  • Published in:BMC Infectious Diseases,
  • Study Type:Cross-sectional Retrospective Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40999325, DOI: 10.1186/s12879-025-11452-x
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