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Frequency of fungal pathogens in bronchoalveolar lavage and biopsy specimens of patients hospitalized in Chamran and Amir al momenin Hospitals
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V Hajialiakbar   , M Emami , A Eskandari |
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Abstract: (16397 Views) |
Background: Infectious diseases caused by fungal pathogens have
increased in the past 10 years. More than 300 pathogenic fungal
species have been incriminated as the etiologic agents. This is
attributed to the growing population of immunocompromised
patients due to epidemic outbreak of AIDS or to other factors such
as use of immunosuppressive drugs in recipients of organ
transplantation.
Materials and methods: In a retrospective cross sectional study we
evaluated all consecutive cases who needed a bronchoscopic
procedure in Chamran and Amir al Momenin Hospitals between
2003 and 2004. 63 patients underwent bronchoscopy and
bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and biopsy specimens were taken.
Specimens were studied by direct microscopic examination, culture,
and histopathologic assays. Pertinent clinical data were extracted
from medical records and analyzed by SPSS descriptive charts
were drawn subsequently.
Results: Fifty patients underwent bronchoscopy in Chamran Hospital
and 13 patients in Amir al Momenin Hospital. We studied 40 males
and 23 females. Positive smears were observed in 24 patients
(42.9%) and 17 patients (26.9%) had abnormal pathology consistent
with fungal infection. The most common fungal agent in smear
specimens was Candida (11 cases, 45.5%), especially C. albicans.
In biopsy specimens, Aspergillus was the leading offending agent (7
cases, 41%).
Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections is
mandatory in order to improve prognosis and reduce mortality.
Close cooperation of clinicians and medical mycologists is crucial in
this regard. |
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| Keywords: fungal disease, respiratory system, bronchoalveolar lavage |
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Full-Text [PDF 204 kb]
(7129 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Original |
Received: 2012/03/7 | Accepted: 2014/06/3 | Published: 2014/06/3
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