Vulvovaginal Colonization by Aspergillus Species in Nonimmunocompromised Women

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of female genital Aspergillus infections. Additionally, the study explored whether genital Aspergillus infections were associated with Aspergillus infections elsewhere (e.g., pulmonary, cardiac, orthopedic, or ophthalmologic). Between October 2005 and October 2007 vulvovaginal fungal cultures were performed for all patients seen in the Vulvar Disorders Center at the Good Samaritan Hospital (Cincinnati, OH) and similarly at Wright State Medical School Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Dayton, OH). Prospectively, any cultures showing Aspergillus species were segregated and a running list totaling 16 patients was maintained. The patients were all followed and examined at each subsequent visit for genital and extragenital disease. The patients responded to therapy with a culture-proven elimination of the fungus. Sporanox ® (itraconozole; Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Titusville, NJ) 200 mg daily for 30 days proved to be the most objectively effective agent for fungus elimination. No systemic Aspergillus infections were observed during the follow-up period. (J GY-NECOL SURG 24:55) 55

Immunobiological Activity of Synthetically Prepared Immunodominant Galactomannosides Structurally Mimicking Aspergillus Galactomannan

“…and cervical squamous cell carcinoma in the female genital tract attributed to the opportunistic nature of infection in the immunocompromised state due to the underlying malignancy. Genitourinary aspergillosis is rare in non-immunocompromised patients, only few reports have been documented ( 65 – 67 ).…”

Aspergillus and Cervicovaginal Papanicolaou Smear: A Review

“…Patients with diabetes, cancer notably leukemia and lymphoma, those on chemotherapy, chronic steroid therapy, transplant recipients, patients with HIV, and chronic granulomatous disease are susceptible hosts. 14,15 Lung is the commonest site of involvement. Other organs which are known to be affected by Aspergillus are skin, brain, bone, eye, paranasal sinuses, ear, endocardium, thyroid, liver, gastrointestinal and urinary tract.…”