The unexpected findings of an Aspergillus maxillary sinusitis in a 53-year-old Negro woman prompted a review of the literature and this report.
According to Zimmerman1 there is a rising incidence of fungus infections which accompanies the increasing use of antibiotics and chemotherapeutic drugs such as the folic acid antagonists and nitrogen mustards. This is further complicated by the use of corticotropin (ACTH) and steroids which may be expected to disseminate localized infections.
Aspergillus fumigatus was first described by Fresenius in 1775 and is the most common form of Aspergillus. Aspergillus fumigatus, A. niger, A. clavatus, and A. vesicolor have been isolated from diseased tissues of man under circumstances which suggest they were the etiologic agent. It is difficult to establish the diagnosis of aspergillosis because the fungus is ubiquitous and a frequent contaminant. Aspergillosis is a common disease of birds.
Aspergillus is a fungus of the mycetes group. Like