[Mycological and parasitological examinations in the management of lung infections]

[Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)]

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is one of the rarest opportunistic infections in HIV-infected patients. Prognosis is poor. Aspergillus fumigatus is the main causative agent. Early diagnosis is essential and it is based on clinical, radiological (Chest CT scan) and mycological data. Direct examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) combined with culture enables the identification of Aspergillus sp. Anatomo-pathological examination of CT-guided biopsies is necessary in patients with negative BALF result. Aspergillus galactomannan test is very useful for diagnosis. Voriconazole is the first-line treatment agent, but it is essential to verify the absence of drug interactions with highly active antiretroviral drugs.