Biomarkers to Quantify Risk for Death in COVID-19–Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis

Serum concentrations of 1,3-β-D-glucan and galactomannan helped stratify mortality risk in patients with CAPA.

Aspergillosis consists of a continuum characterized by increasing burden of infection and associated mortality. COVID-19 (as well as glucocorticoid therapy) depletes lymphocytes, thereby raising risk for Aspergillus acquisition; however, the literature about COVID-19–associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) is inconsistent. Ergün and colleagues assessed 219 patients critically ill with COVID-19. Of these, 133 did not have CAPA, 39 had proven or probable CAPA, 19 had possible CAPA, 21 were colonized with Aspergillus, and 7 had detectable serum 1,3-β-D-glucan (BDG; a component of Aspergillus).

Thirty-day mortality was 54% in patients with proven or probable CAPA versus 25% among those without CAPA (P=0.001). Elevated serum galactomannan (anot…

Reviewing Author

George Sakoulas, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardParatek Pharmaceuticals; Nestle Corp.; AbbVie; Shionogi

Speaker’s BureauAllergan/AbbVie; Paratek Pharmaceuticals; Nestle Corp.

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy; Open Forum Infectious Diseases