An atypical Aspergillus flavus from a case of bronchopulmonary aspergilloma. A contribution to the cultural and serological diagnosis of A. flavus infections.
A slow-growing, non-pigmented hyphomycete was isolated from sputum and a fungus ball removed at autopsy from the lung. The patient, an alcoholic, also suffered from cirrhosis and primary carcinoma of the liver. The atypical and otherwise non-recognizable isolate showed a growth typical of Aspergillus flavus when cultured on sterilized peanuts. This observation indicates the diagnostic significance of such strains which have become atypical, as etiologic agents and sources of antigen. Serologically, the antigen of the atypical strain proved to be stronger than that of a typical A. flavus strain. In view of the simultaneous presence of the liver carcinoma and the absence of aflatoxin production by the atypical strain, the possible role of chronic colonization of the lung by A. flavus is discussed.
D000348:Aflatoxins / Q000032:analysis; D001228:Aspergillosis / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology*; D001231:Aspergillus flavus / Q000166:cytology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D008172:Lung Diseases, Fungal / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013183:Sputum / Q000382:microbiology*
D000348:Aflatoxins