What host defense abnormality made him vulnerable to staphylococcal and
aspergillus infections?
- Chronic granulomatous disease is a condition in which neutrophil
function is impaired as a result of defective production of superoxide
radicals and intracellular killing of pathogens is impaired.
- The
administration of glucocorticoids further impair neutrophil function.
What is the epidemiology of Aspergillosis ? What are virulence
characteristics of Aspergillus species?
- Aspergillus species are ubiquitous, hence exposure is common.
-
Aspergillus fumigatus possesses extracellular inhibitors of the alternate
complement pathway, and these impair opsonophagocytosis.
- Aspergillus species
have a propensity for invading blood vessels leading to tissue infarction.
What is the utility of cultures in the diagnosis of Aspergillosis?
- Aspergillus is easy to grow ;cultures from respiratory specimens
cannot distinguish colonization from invasive disease.
- Histological
demonstration of tissue invasion is required.
- Aspergillus rarely grows in
blood cultures even in cases of endocarditis.
What is the treatment of choice for aspergillosis?
- Amphotericin B in high doses remains the treatment of choice.
- The
addition of rifampin or 5FC may offer synergy. Itraconazole offers an
alternative in non-life threatening aspergillosis.
- Surgical removal of
infarcted tissue may be necessary.