EPIDEMIOLOGY OF PULMONARY ASPERGILLOSIS: IDENTIFYING ASPERGILLUS SPECIES AND THEIR CORRELATION WITH COEXISTING MEDICAL CONDITIONS IN A LOCAL HEALTHCARE SETTING

Background: Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) not only result in increased rates of mortality and morbidity in humans but also present a substantial global burden due to the growing resistance to antifungal treatments. Objective: This research was conducted to ascertain the occurrence of Aspergillus species in our local area and investigate the coexisting medical conditions in the cases of pulmonary aspergillosis. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional investigation enrolled seventy three clinical cases of pulmonary aspergillosis. Aspergillus species were identified in the specimens of patients who attended the Out Patient Department or were admitted to the Pulmonology Department of Lahore General Hospital, Lahore. Results: The study disclosed that the most frequently isolated Aspergillus species from the pulmonary specimens was Aspergillus flavus (39 cases, 53.4%), followed by Aspergillus niger (21 cases, 28.8%), Aspergillus fumigatus (12 cases, 16.4%), and Aspergillus terreus (1 case, 1.4%). The prevailing comorbidities among the patients included asthma (21 cases, 30%), tuberculosis (22 cases, 30%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (30 cases, 40%). Conclusion: The results obtained from this research can serve as a foundation for monitoring the clinically significant and widespread species of Aspergillus in future. Establishing a connection with comorbidities may serve as a pivotal part in enhancing our comprehension of pathophysiology of the disease.