Positive (1,3)-β-D-Glucan and Galactomannan in a 73-Year-Old Male with Lung Adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a life-threatening condition. Patients with lung cancer 73.9% died within 1 month after IPA diagnosis. Diagnosing IPA is challenging because of the nonspecific clinical symptoms, radiological findings, lack of sensitivity, and need time in culture method. A 73-year-old male presented with shortness of breath, productive cough, fever, chest pain, and a decrease of body weight. On right thorax auscultation, decreased of vesicular breath sound, rhonchi, and pleural friction rub were found. The chest radiograph revealed a right lung tumor. We confirmed the existence of Aspergillosis on the fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) result by conducting the serology examination (1,3-β-D-glucan and Galactomannan) using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Bronchoalveolar lavage culture from FOB result was Aspergillus fumigatus, and fine-needle aspiration biopsy showed adenocarcinoma. Because IPA is a life-threatening condition, an early diagnosis is important. Therefore, a serology test is necessary for the early detection of suspected case of fungal infection and useful to complement the culture.

Keywords

• 1
• 3-β-d-glucan
• galactomannan
• invasive pulmonary aspergillosis