[A case of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis combined with COVID-19-associated pulmonary mucormycosis].

Abstract

COVID-19-associated invasive fungal infections are fungal infections that develop during COVID-19, including pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) and pulmonary mucormycosis (CAPM). This report presents a case of a patient with recurrent COVID-19 infections who showed pulmonary cavities and pleural effusion on chest CT. A mixed diagnosis of CAPA and CAPM was confirmed by histopathological analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and metagenomic next-generation sequencing. This study highlights the importance of suspecting CAPA and CAPM in diabetic COVID-19 patients with unexplained radiological findings that cannot be attributed to common infections or pulmonary tumors. Prompt and thorough diagnostic investigations, including histopathology, microbiology, and molecular techniques, are essential for accurate diagnosis. Early and effective antifungal treatment can significantly improve patient outcomes.