Invasive Aspergillosis and HIV Infection

Abstract

Invasive aspergillosis was previously considered an AIDS-defining disease. However, this infection is seen only occasionally in HIV-infected patients, usually affecting patients with advanced disease. The most commonly implicated factors for invasive aspergillosis are neutropenia, granulocyte dysfunction, exposure to broad-spectrum antibacterial therapy and a long term steroid use. The diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is hampered by the absence of typical clinicradiological findings. New diagnostic tests such as galactomannan testing are of limited utility for AIDS patients. Cerebral aspergillosis seems to be more prevalent in the HIV population than in other groups. Treatment of invasive aspergillosis in the context of HIV infection is similar to treatment in patients not infected with the HIV, though special attention is required for drug-drug interactions.