Pulmonary Aspergillus colonization in humans and its impact on management of critically ill patients

Samples of lung tissues were obtained and analysed for Aspergillus carriage in 56 patients undergoing thoracic surgical intervention and 18 people who had an unexpected death. Out of 74 samples, 46 (63%) had evidence of pulmo nary fungal colonization. The surgery population had a rate of 62% of funga l growth, Aspergillus was present in 39%. The autopsy population had a rate of 61% of fungal colonization, Aspergillus was present in 41%. In these ca ses eradication of fungal spores residing in the lung prior to aggressive c hemotherapy and prevention of further spore uptake during hospitalization i s indispensable in preventing pulmonary aspergillosis.