[Nosocomial ventilator-associated pneumonias caused by Aspergillus fumigatus in non-immunosuppressed, non-neutropenic patients].

We observed three cases of severe ventilator-associated pneumonia due to Aspergillus fumigatus in non-immunosuppressed, non-neutropenic patients. Autopsy confirmed an angioinvasive pattern of spreading with septic foci. In all cases conditions associated with temporary immunodysfunction like underlying diseases, antecedent sepsis or pneumonia, coinfections or steroid therapy were present. Although Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated in all cases in cultures of tracheobronchial secretions, the correct diagnosis was not obtained during lifetime. Our cases demonstrate that pneumonia due to Aspergillus fumigatus must be taken into account also in this patient population.