A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF CHRONIC PULMONARY ASPERGILLOSIS CASES IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL (NISHTAR MEDICAL UNIVERSITY), SOUTH PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is a progressive fungal disease induced by Aspergillus species which frequently occurs in patients with underlying structural lung diseases specifically pulmonic tuberculosis. Although CPA is increasingly becoming a global issue of concern, it is poorly diagnosed in areas with high prevalence of tuberculosis thus resulting in late treatment and unfavorable clinical responses. Objective: The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical features, the risk factors, radiological appearances, and microbiological and serological results of patients with the diagnosis of CPA in a tertiary care unit in South Punjab, Pakistan. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was done at the Department of Pulmonology, Nishtar Medical University Hospital, Multan, between April 2024 and May 2025. The medical records of the suspected and confirmed CPA patients were examined. Diagnostic tests were high-resolution computer tomography (HRCT), serum Aspergillus-specific IgG serology, and sputum fungal culture in cases where done. They were analyzed with SPSS version 24 and summarized with descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 51 participants were used at an average age of 47.1 with a standard error of 15.9 years old. The underlying condition was previously treated pulmonary tuberculosis (56.9%). It tested positive on serological testing of Aspergillus fumigatus IgG in 53 percent of patients. Aspergillus niger was the most commonly isolated culture that was available. The most prevalent type of radiological pattern was found as per aspergilloma by HRCT. Conclusion: CPA was largely related to post-tuberculosis lung disease. In the area of tuberculosis endemicity, the HRCT imaging and Aspergillus-specific IgG-testing are crucial to the early tuberculosis diagnosis.