Aspergillus niger, an Unusual Case With Fatal Massive Hemoptysis: A Case Report
Aspergillus Niger is considered a low-virulence fungus. Primary and secondary immunocompromise represent the principal risk factors for developing this disease. There are only a few cases of invasive infection that have been documented, and only a few fatal cases of secondary invasive pulmonary aspergillosis as a cavitation by this agent have been published. We present the case of a 45-year-old man with immunocompromise who developed massive hemoptysis, which, despite treatment, led to his death. Pathological findings documented invasive pulmonary aspergillosis due to A. Niger and a co-infection with multi-drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a fatal infection often accompanied by bacterial co-infection. This case demonstrates the potentially aggressive nature of A. niger, which may lead to high mortality hemoptysis. Timely treatment of cavitations through resection of lesions may prevent complications, as well as the early initiation of treatment. This case emphasizes that A. niger, although considered a low-virulence organism, can lead to aggressive and life-threatening disease, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and timely intervention to prevent fatal outcomes.
Authors
- Ivan Zepeda Quiroz
- Maricarmen Pelayo-Madrigal
- Xenia Lizeth Choc-Cano
- Daniel Juarez
- Camila Baas-Yama
Publication Details
- Journal
- Cureus
- Published
- 2026-04-13
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.106993
- Primary Topic
- Antifungal resistance and susceptibility
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00