Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in critically ill patients with COVID-19 in Australia: implications for screening and treatment

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in critically ill patients with COVID-19 in Australia: implications for screening and treatment

Author:

Shio Yen TioEloise WilliamsLeon J WorthAdam M DeaneKatherine BondMonica A SlavinJoe Sasadeusz

Abstract:

We report four cases of invasive pulmonary aspergillus co-infection in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus terreus were isolated, with early infection onset following ICU admission. Clinicians should be aware of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in ICU patients with COVID-19 infection, particularly those receiving dexamethasone. We propose screening of these high-risk patients with twice-weekly fungal culture from tracheal aspirate and, if feasible, Aspergillus polymerase chain reaction. Diagnosis is challenging and antifungal treatment should be considered in critically ill patients who have new or worsening pulmonary changes on chest imaging and mycological evidence of infection.

Keywords: COVID-19; COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis; acute respiratory distress syndrome; dexamethasone; voriconazole.

Link to DOI

Download the full article (Disclaimer)

This manuscript library of ~16,000 articles (1729-2024) related to Aspergillus and aspergillosis is intended for individual study only, and is provided as contribution to global understanding of the topic. Please refer to the publisher’s guidance about any other usage.