J Fungi (Basel) . COVID-19 Associated Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges

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J Fungi (Basel)


. 2020 Jul 22;6(3):E115.
doi: 10.3390/jof6030115.
COVID-19 Associated Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges


Aia Mohamed ¹ , Thomas R Rogers ² , Alida Fe Talento ^{1 3}



Affiliations

• PMID: 32707965
• DOI: 10.3390/jof6030115

Abstract

Aspergillus co-infection in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia, leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome, has recently been reported. To date, 38 cases have been reported, with other cases most likely undiagnosed mainly due to a lack of clinical awareness and diagnostic screening. Importantly, there is currently no agreed case definition of COVID-19 associated invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) that could aid in the early detection of this co-infection. Additionally, with the global emergence of triazole resistance, we emphasize the importance of antifungal susceptibility testing in order to ensure appropriate antifungal therapy. Herein is a review of 38 published CAPA cases, which highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges posed by this novel fungal co-infection.

Keywords: COVID-19 associated invasive pulmonary aspergillosis; COVID-19 pneumonia; diagnosis; invasive pulmonary aspergillosis; multi-triazole resistance.