Date: 26 November 2013
Secondary metabolites, structure diagram: Trivial name – Itaconic acid
Copyright: n/a
Notes:
Species: A. terreusSystematic name: 2-methylidenebutanedioic acidMolecular formulae: C5H6O4Molecular weight: 130.099Chemical abstracts number: 811Selected references: LARSEN H, EIMHJELLEN KE. The mechanism of itaconic acid formation by Aspergillus terreus. 1. The effect of acidity. Biochem J. 1955 May;60(1):135-9. EIMHJELLEN KE, LARSEN H. The mechanism of itaconic acid formation by Aspergillus terreus. 2. The effect of substrates and inhibitors. Biochem J. 1955 May;60(1):139-47.
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Macroscopic view medial aspect of left upper lobe of lung showing segmental collapse and congestion of lower segments, with mucus extruding from incised bronchi.
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Born 75 years ago, Pt HK had 3 episodes of tuberculosis as a child and teenager, being treated with PAS and streptomycin. He suffered a ‘bad chest’ all his life and retired aged 54. Presenting with worsening and more frequent chest infections, he was referred with ‘bronchiectasis and Aspergillus sensitisation’. A diagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis was made in June 2009 on the basis of his chest radiograph and strongly positive Aspergillus precipitins (IgG antibodies) (titre 1/16). He also had Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonisation. His oxygen saturation was 87% and his pO2 6.8, pCO2 6.2 KPa.
His chest radiograph (see above, November 2009) was reported as showing; “ The lung fields are over-inflated. Bilateral apical fibrotic change secondary to old TB. No cavity seen.” At clinic, bilateral apical cavities were seen, with some associated pleural thickening at the left apex, without any evidence of a fungal ball.
He started posaconazole 400mg twice daily with therapeutic levels at subsequent visits. Sputum cultures never grew Aspergillus. Over the following 9 months he had no chest infections requiring antibiotics, his breathlessness worsened gradually and he remained easily fatigued. His Aspergillus antibody titres fell. Overall he felt better, but was concerned about declining respiratory status.
