Early Molecular Detection for the Improved Diagnosis of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis and Invasive Pulmonary Zygomycosis

Background:

• Fungal infections of the lung (pneumonia) can be caused by molds, such as Aspergillus and Zygomycetes, but these causes are often difficult for a doctor to diagnose. Early and accurate diagnosis of these infections can help doctors to select the correct medicines for proper treatment.
• A number of methods are used to diagnose fungal pneumonia. Ones that are commonly used in clinical practice include radiographic imaging (chest X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans), blood tests, and cultures taken from fluid from the lungs (broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) fluid). Other new methods may improve the diagnosis of fungal pneumonias. These methods include tests that can detect DNA from the fungal germ in blood and BAL fluid of some patients with these infections.

Objectives:

• To help develop better and more accurate methods of diagnosing fungal lung infections.
• To detect fungal DNA and chemicals in the bloodstream and BAL fluid of immunocompromised patients with pneumonia.

Eligibility:

• Immunocompromised patients who are currently enrolled in another NIH protocol and who have a CT scan that shows a possible fungal infection of the lung.

Design:

• Researchers will review patients' existing medical records and CT scans, and current pneumonia treatment plans.
• Patients will provide blood and BAL samples for the duration of their treatment for pneumonia, as required by researchers. Additional CT scans will not be performed, except as part of existing treatment plans.