CD4 and systemic lupus erythematosus: HIV and SLE have similar immune abnormalities with a general decrease of CD4+ T cells, leading to an increased risk for opportunistic infections [22]. High mortality rates in cases of invasive aspergillosis are seen in the presence of certain risk factors, including high daily steroid dose (more or equal to 20 mg of prednisone), recent pulse steroid therapy, use of immunosuppressants, and CMV viremia [23].