In article <3o4etr$1fb6 at usenetp1.news.prodigy.com>, KUKH82A at prodigy.com
(Larry Bucknum) wrote:
> SUBJECT: Aspergillus Niger
> As part of a recent sinus surgury a fungus culture was taken on specimens
> from my wife. They returned positive for Aspergillus Niger. Two
> questions?
> 1. Potential harm in humans?
> 2. Internet addresses/experts?
>> She has had three sinus surguries with reoccuring polyps/cysts. She has
> been on antibiotics for over a year and still fights constant infections.
>> Any help appreciated.
>> Regards,
> Larry
>> LARRY BUCKNUM KUKH82A at prodigy.com>
Among other things, A. niger rarely causes necrotizing (serious) invasive
infection in the ear and paranasal sinuses. More often, it is found
superficially colonizing the ear canal and nasal mucosa of patients with
chronic otitis externa or chronic allergic rhinitis. In the latter
syndrome, it is not known if A. niger plays an etiologic role. In invasive
disease or in the case of sinus fungal balls, surgery plus or minus
anti-fungal agents is often indicated. In your wife's case this organism
may or may not have a role in her sinus disease and/or recurring nasal
polyps. Of interest would be histological examination of previous surgical
tissue for evidence of aspergillus-induced inflammation or invasive
aspergillosis. If these were present it would add weight to the hypothesis
that aspergillus is causing her symptoms.
As long as your wife remains immunocompetent, the potential harm from
aspergillus spp. is low.
Ru Tan
Division of Medical Microbiology
University of British Columbia
