Clinical Spectrum Of Pulmonary Aspergillosis

Abstract

Background: Invasive fungal infections are not only responsible for the increased morbidity and mortality in human population but are also a major concern throughout the world because of the increased antifungal resistance.

Objective: The study was conducted to find out the prevalence of Aspergillus species endemic in our area along with the co-morbidities in suspected cases of Pulmonary Aspergillosis.  

Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, 73 cases of Pulmonary Aspergillosis were included. Aspergillus species were isolated from the pulmonary specimens of those patients who were visiting the Out Patient Department (OPD) or were admitted to Lahore General Hospital, Lahore.

Results: In this study, the most prevalent specie of Aspergillus to be isolated from the pulmonary specimens was found to be Aspergillus flavus 39 (53.4%) followed by Aspergillus niger 21 (28.8%),  Aspergillus fumigatus 12 (16.4%) and Aspergillus terreus 1 (1.4%). Co-morbidities of the patients were greatest with Asthma 29 (40%), followed by Tuberculosis 22 (30.1%) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) 22 (30.1%) .

Conclusion: The data of the present study can serve as a basis for future surveillance of clinically significant and prevalent Aspergillus species. Correlation with co-morbidities could play a valuable role in better understanding of the disease pathophysiology.