Molecular diagnosis of Aspergillus fumigatus endocarditis

A 66-year-old male with ischaemic cardiomyopathy and chronic lymphocytic leukemia developed signs of severe systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Serial blood cultures were negative and a SeptiFast test detected the presence of Aspergillus fumigatus DNA. Afterwards, detection of galactomannan and 1,3-β-d-glucan showed a positive result. Autopsy revealed the presence of branched fungal structures suggestive of Aspergillus.