Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis associated with influenza

Abstract

Fatal invasive pulmonary aspergillosis may follow viral influenza infections. Two cases with verified influenza A infection were followed by fatal necrotizing pneumonia due to<i>Aspergillus fumigatus</i>. Both patients demonstrated cutaneous anergy and lymphocytopenia. Influenza and perhaps other viruses that depress T-cell function may result in increased susceptibility to infections in which T cells are important in host defenses. (<i>JAMA</i>241:1493-1494, 1979)