Positive Aspergillus PCR as a marker of azole resistance or sub-therapeutic antifungal therapy in patients with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis.

Background: Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is a progressive respiratory disease, caused most commonly by A fumigatus, with significant morbidity and mortality. Azole resistance in A fumigatus is a growing concern worldwide, with resistance to itraconazole reported in up to 50% of patients.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine whether a positive Aspergillus PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is a marker of resistance in CPA patients on azole therapy.