Invasive aspergillosis in patients with HIV infection: report of two patients and a review of the literature.
Two cases of invasive aspergillosis in AIDS patients are reported and previously reported AIDS-related cases are reviewed. Only one-half of all cases were diagnosed antemortem. Outcome is poor despite antifungal and surgical therapy. Normal phagocytic function is important in host defense against Aspergillus species. HIV-infected patients may have impaired phagocytic function as a result of antiretroviral therapy or treatment of opportunistic infection, or due to HIV infection itself. As the lifespans of HIV-infected patients are extended by antiretroviral therapy, an increasing awareness of Aspergillus infection as an opportunistic pathogen will be necessary.
Decker
C F
CF
Department of Medicine, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, D.C. 20037.
Parenti
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DM
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D000328:Adult; D001228:Aspergillosis / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008172:Lung Diseases, Fungal / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D009894:Opportunistic Infections / Q000150:complications*