Aspergillus in liquid-based cervicovaginal cytology in a postmenopausal patient: A case report

Abstract

Aspergillus is an opportunistic fungus present in humid environments, whose natural environment is in soil, hay and compost. It is a frequent contaminant in the clinical laboratory. Because of this, the fungus is often inhaled, affecting those with an underlying pulmonary disease or immune deficiency. Fungal genitourinary tract infections are relatively common. A rare Aspergillus spp cervical infection diagnosed via liquid-based cytology is presented in the current study. The 57-year-old woman attended her annual check-up without any relevant medical history. The result of a gynecological examination by Papanicolaou smear was normal and routine liquid-based cytology was performed. The specimen exhibited fungal organisms characterized by septate hyphae branching at acute angles, most consistent with the Aspergillus species. Subsequent cytology demonstrated the same results. Antifungal treatment was initiated and a second post-treatment smear only exhibited atrophy. The cytomorphological features of Aspergillus spp. are discussed in the current study and a brief review of the few reported cases of a primary cervical infection in the literature is provided. In addition, the liquid-based cytology was established as a tool to diagnose the rare Aspergillus infection.