Chronic Aspergillus fumigatus colonization of the pediatric cystic fibrosis airway is common and may be associated with a more rapid decline in lung function
Abstract
Filamentous fungi are commonly isolated from the respiratory tract of CF patients, but their clinical significance is uncertain and the reported incidence variable. We report on the degree of Aspergillus fumigatus airway colonization in a tertiary pediatric CF cohort, evaluate the sensitivity of routine clinical sampling at detecting A. fumigatus, and compare lung function of A. fumigatus-colonized and non-colonized children.We carried out an 8-year retrospective cohort analysis using local databases, examining 1024 respiratory microbiological specimens from 45 children. Nineteen (42%) had a positive A. fumigatus culture at least once during the 8-year period, with 10 (22%) children persistently colonized. Overall, 29% of 48 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples tested positive for A. fumigatus, compared with 14% of 976 sputum samples. Of 33 children for whom lung function data were available during the study period, seven were classed as having severe lung disease, of whom four (57%) were persistently colonized with A. fumigatus.We conclude that chronic A. fumigatus colonization of the CF airway is common, and may be associated with worse lung function. In our practice, BAL appears superior at detecting lower airway A. fumigatu...Continue Reading
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Aspergillosis
Aspergillosis is the name given to a wide variety of diseases caused by infection by fungi of the genus Aspergillus. Aspergillosis occurs in chronic or acute forms which are clinically very distinct. Most cases of acute aspergillosis occur in patients with severely compromised immune systems. Chronic colonization or infection can cause complications in people with underlying respiratory illnesses. Discover the latest research on aspergillosis here.
Aspergillosis (ASM)
Aspergillosis is the name given to a wide variety of diseases caused by infection by fungi of the genus Aspergillus. Aspergillosis occurs in chronic or acute forms which are clinically very distinct. Most cases of acute aspergillosis occur in patients with severely compromised immune systems. Chronic colonization or infection can cause complications in people with underlying respiratory illnesses. Discover the latest research on aspergillosis here.