Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis Caused by Aspergillus tubingensis Diagnosed by a Bronchoscopic Biopsy

Intern Med. 2024 Jan 15;63(2):289-292. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.1695-23. Epub 2023 May 31.

Abstract

We herein report a case of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) caused by Aspergillus tubingensis diagnosed by a bronchoscopic biopsy with negative serological and sputum culture findings. A 66-year-old man was referred for the assessment of a pulmonary cavity. Computed tomography showed a thick-walled cavity in the upper right pulmonary lobe. Serum β-D glucan, Aspergillus galactomannan, and Aspergillus antibody tests were negative. Aspergillus species were not detected in the sputum. Culture and pathological specimens were obtained from the mass by bronchoscopy. Microscopic examination findings were consistent with Aspergillus niger complex morphologically and identified as Aspergillus tubingensis through DNA sequencing. The patient was diagnosed with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis.

Keywords: Aspergillus IgG ELISA; Aspergillus niger complex; Aspergillus precipitin test; Aspergillus tubingensis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aspergillus*
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Pulmonary Aspergillosis* / complications
  • Pulmonary Aspergillosis* / diagnosis

Supplementary concepts

  • Aspergillus tubingensis