Immune Regulation in Chronic Aspergillus Infection After COVID-19 Infection

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study aims to collect clinical cases and follow-up data from patients with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, post-COVID-19 aspergillosis, and post-COVID-19 patients without aspergillosis. Using in vitro assays, we will measure the phagocytic function of neutrophils when stimulated by fungal hyphae, their ability to produce neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), the expression of cell surface molecules at the time of enrollment, changes in cell surface molecule expression after stimulation with fungal hyphae, and the quantification of autoantibodies in the blood. This research will focus on the short-term (within 3 months), medium-term (6-12 months), and long-term (more than 12 months) changes in cell surface molecules and functions following infection.

Official Title
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Role of Cellular Immune Regulation in Acute Exacerbation and Chronic Aspergillus Infection After COVID-19 Infection

Conditions
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Aspergillosis

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: This is a blood test without regarding to intervention nor diagnostic tests


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Confirmed cases include patients diagnosed with pulmonary aspergillosis, acute or subacute Aspergillus infections, and aspergillosis in other anatomical sites (such as sinuses, middle ear, liver). Additionally, this study will enroll patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or those undergoing treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis who continue to exhibit worsening pulmonary radiological findings without a clear etiology, necessitating hospitalization or outpatient care for unexplained community-acquired pneumonia. Patients with bronchiectasis, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, or other chronic pulmonary conditions who are under continuous follow-up and treatment at our institution will also be included if clinically diagnosed with aspergillosis. The control group will consist of patients who, based on clinical evidence, have no history of prior exposure to Aspergillus or aspergillosis infection after contracting COVID-19. Exclusion Criteria: Individuals aged below 20, pregnant women, patients with advanced-stage (stage II and above) lung cancer, individuals diagnosed with malignancies, patients with mental health disorders requiring consent from a legal guardian for participation, and those in critical end-stage conditions.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 20 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Aspergillosis<br>Patients with aspergillosis | Other: This is a blood test without regarding to intervention nor diagnostic tests<br>* This is a blood test without regarding to intervention nor diagnostic tests<br>|
| COVID<br>Patients with history of COVID infection and without aspergillosis | Other: This is a blood test without regarding to intervention nor diagnostic tests<br>* This is a blood test without regarding to intervention nor diagnostic tests<br>|
| Control<br>Patients without history of COVID infection and without aspergillosis | Other: This is a blood test without regarding to intervention nor diagnostic tests<br>* This is a blood test without regarding to intervention nor diagnostic tests<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Overall survival | The study will observed for at least one year for overall survival | 6 months intervel | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Oppertunistic infection | Infection not by aspergillus or COVID | yearly |