The quality of the specimen taken is a major factor in success or otherwise of microscopy and culture. Having a specimen taken should be painless apart from occasional slight discomfort when subungual specimens are taken. The figure shows the appropriate sites from which nail specimens should be obtained.
Patient diagnosed with Stage C Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia, treated in the MRC CLL4 study, with prednisolone for 4 weeks followed by oral chlorambucil for 7 days. Patient developed severe pneumonia due to pseudomonas and staphylococcus. Following treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics and 1 week of Abelcet, patient was readmitted with headache, disorientation and fever. CT brain scans showed 3 ring enhancing lesions, aspirated material showed neutrophils but grew aspergillus. Patient now improved on Abelcet (4 mg/kg) and oral itrconazole suspension 200mg b.d.
Thanks to Richard Chasty, Consultant Haematologist, North Staffordsire Hospital, UK.
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![Asp[1]niger](https://www.aspergillus.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Asp1niger-150x150.gif "Asp[1]niger")
