Typical duration of treatment for Aspergillus pneumonia?

• A. 2-4 weeks
• B. 1-2 weeks
• C. 3-4 months
• D. 6-12 weeks

Answer: (D)

Invasive aspergillosis requires a prolonged antifungal therapy because the infection often involves tissue invasion and the patient’s immune defenses may be impaired, so clearing the infection takes time and careful monitoring. The usual duration is six to twelve weeks, and sometimes longer if the patient remains immunocompromised or if there isn’t full radiographic and clinical improvement. Short courses of a couple of weeks or even a month are typically insufficient and carry a high risk of relapse. A three to four month course is longer than the common range and is not the standard unless specific clinical factors justify extended therapy.