Abstract Introduction The Aspergillus genus comprises several hundred opportunistic mold species that thrive in diverse environmental conditions and cause a wide spectrum of human diseases, ranging from localized infections to fatal systemic illness and allergic reactions following inhalation. Among these, Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common and life-threatening airborne fungal pathogen, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.1 In contrast, Aspergillus versicolor (A. Vesicolor) is rarely isolated in clinical settings (1%) 2. We present a case of an immunocompetent man who developed significant weight loss and a cavitary lung lesion secondary to infection with A. versicolor. Case Presentation A 42-year-old male with no significant past medical history presented for evaluation of hemoptysis for 3 days, associated with unintentional weight loss and night sweats.The patient is originally from central Africa and immigrated to the United States 10 years prior to presentation. He works in a poultry processing plant and denies tobacco use.A chest computed tomography (CT) revealed a subpleural cavitary mass in the right lower lobe measuring 4 cm.Two of three acid-fast bacilli (AFB) sputum cultures grew Aspergillus versicolor.The patient was started on voriconazole 200 mg daily, with resolution of symptoms by his 2-week follow-up visit. A repeat CT chest was planned to assess for radiographic resolution. Discussion/ Conclusion Aspergillus versicolor is a slow-growing, filamentous fungus commonly found in damp indoor environments. It has been reported as an etiologic agent of several localized infections3. While A. versicolor has occasionally been identified as a respiratory tract colonizer, true pulmonary infections are extremely rare. When disease does occur, it typically presents as invasive aspergillosis, most often in critically ill or immunocompromised patients, particularly those requiring mechanical ventilation.To our knowledge, no prior case report has described A. versicolor as the causative agent of a cavitary lung lesion. A review of the literature revealed only one previously reported case of invasive A. versicolor infection, presenting as ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in a critically ill patient3, and an additional case of A. versicolor-related aspergilloma in a 15-year-old patient4.Greater awareness and improved diagnostic methods are essential for accurate identification and appropriate management of this fungus. This abstract is funded by: None
Sekulits et al. (Fri,) studied this question.