Diagnosis of Pleural aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus Infection via Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing from a Patient with Unexplained Pleural Effusion: A Case Report

Aspergillosis is a serious pathologic condition caused by Aspergillus organisms and is frequently seen in immunocompromised patients. This case study reports a 63-year-old male patient with immunocompetent conditions who was hospitaled with 20-day history of right-sided chest pain and cough and was diagnosed of unexplained pleural effusion infection. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) detected intrapleural Aspergillus infection in the pleural effusion, and pathological examination revealed granulomatous inflammation. The patient underwent three months of antifungal therapy with voriconazole tablets. Follow-up at six months revealed complete resolution of the pleural and pulmonary lesions. This case highlights mNGS as a diagnostic tool provides a better method of identifying clinical fungal pathogens with atypical characteristics, to enhance the diagnostic and therapeutic approach for such conditions.