Microbiological diagnosis of pulmonary invasive aspergillosis in critically ill patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia: a bronchoalveolar study.

Background: Diagnosing COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) can be challenging since radiological and clinical criteria in the critically ill patient are nonspecific. Microbiological diagnostic support is therefore crucial. The aim of this study was to document the incidence of aspergillosis using bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) as the diagnostic method and to determine the performance of the current mycological diagnostic tests most widely used for the diagnosis of CAPA, together with evaluation of the Asp lateral flow device (LFD).

Anticipatory Antifungal Treatment in Critically Ill Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) in critically ill patients and the impact of anticipatory antifungal treatment on the incidence of CAPA in critically ill patients.

Methods: Before/after observational study in a mixed intensive care unit (ICU) of a university teaching hospital. The study took place between March 2020 and June 2022.