A signature of differential gene expression in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid predicts mortality in influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis

Abstract

Influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (IAPA) is a severe co-infection with the fungus Aspergillus, affecting critically ill influenza patients. Mortality of IAPA patients reaches 45%, more than twice as much as observed in influenza patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) without aspergillosis [1]. Importantly, the effect of antifungal treatment on patient outcome is limited, while prognostic biomarkers tailored for this patient group are lacking.