Fatal Disseminated Aspergillus Penicillioides Infection in a 3-Month-Old Infant with Suspected Cystic Fibrosis: Autopsy Case Report with Review of Literature

Abstract

Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) often are colonized by Aspergillus species in their respiratory tract, but invasive aspergillosis is a rare complication. We describe the autopsy findings of an infant with cystic fibrosis who had fatal disseminated aspergillosis. The causative agent was identified as A. penicillioides by molecular technique. To our knowledge, this is the first report of disseminated aspergillosis caused by A. penicillioides in any type of patient. The literature on invasive aspergillosis in patients with cystic fibrosis also is reviewed.