Research Keyword: pulmonary aspergillosis

The Prognostic Value of (1→3)-β-D-Glucan in COVID-19 Patients with and Without Secondary Fungal Disease

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During COVID-19 infection, a fungal marker called beta-D-glucan (BDG) in the blood can predict patient survival even without a diagnosed fungal infection. Researchers found that COVID-19 patients with high BDG levels had a 91% death rate if not treated with antifungal drugs, but this dropped to 50% when antifungal therapy was given. The high BDG levels trigger a strong inflammatory response in the body that worsens disease severity, making BDG a valuable warning sign for doctors treating critically ill COVID-19 patients.

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Inappropriate treatment of pulmonary aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus flavus in susceptible pediatric patients: a case series

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This case series describes three children in Iran who developed serious lung infections caused by a fungal organism called Aspergillus flavus. Tragically, two of the three children died because their infections were diagnosed too late and they did not receive appropriate antifungal medications. The study emphasizes that children with weakened immune systems need quick diagnosis and proper antifungal treatment to survive these dangerous fungal infections.

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An Atypical Presentation of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis

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A 57-year-old man without prior lung problems developed a persistent cough and breathing difficulties that didn’t respond to antibiotics. Imaging showed his lung had collapsed and fluid had accumulated around it, raising concerns about cancer. However, bronchoscopy revealed the collapse was caused by thick mucus plugs filled with Aspergillus fungus rather than cancer. After treatment with antifungal medication and steroids, the patient fully recovered with his lung re-expanding and fluid resolving.

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Aspergillus Bronchitis at Localised Mucus Plug in an Immunocompetent Patient

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A 55-year-old woman developed a rare fungal infection called Aspergillus bronchitis in a mucus plug within her lung over a 9-year period. Although she was otherwise healthy with a normal immune system, the fungus gradually grew and eventually caused serious bleeding in her lungs. Doctors treated the bleeding with artery embolization and then surgically removed the affected lung tissue. The fungus was identified as Aspergillus udagawae, a type that is harder to treat with standard antifungal medications.

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COVID-19-associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Mechanically Ventilated Patients at 7 US Hospitals: Epidemiology and Estimated Likelihood of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis—Results of the Prospective MSG-017 Study

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A fungal infection caused by Aspergillus commonly occurs in COVID-19 patients on ventilators, affecting about 7% of cases. The study found that having this infection was linked to high death rates, but it was unclear whether the fungal infection itself or the severe COVID-19 caused the deaths. Single positive test results for the fungus are not reliable for diagnosis, and antifungal drugs did not improve survival rates.

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