Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is the most common fungal pulmonary infection in certain immunocompromised patients. The most commonly affected patients are hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients and patients with hematological malignancies undergoing intensive chemotherapy. The survival of patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is very poor because of difficulties in early diagnosis and lack of effective treatment options. Research efforts are being made constantly to improve different diagnostic techniques. Early, repeated, high resolution computed tomography of the chest, and sequential nonculture-based monitoring of Aspergillus antigen and DNA can improve earlier diagnosis. New antifungal drugs for treatment and prevention of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis continue to emerge, with better safety, efficacy, and pharmacologic profiles. (C) 2002 Lippincott Williams Wilkins, Inc.