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Fungal infections in patients undergoing blood and marrow transplantation

K A Marr1, R A Bowden

  • 1Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA. Kmarr@fhcrc.org

Transplant Infectious Disease : an Official Journal of the Transplantation Society
|June 29, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Fungal infections pose a significant threat to patients undergoing blood and marrow transplantation (BMT). Developing effective prevention strategies for invasive fungal infections, particularly invasive aspergillosis, remains a critical challenge.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Transplantation Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Fungal infections are a major cause of illness and death in allogeneic blood and marrow transplantation (BMT) patients.
  • While azoles reduced Candida infections, invasive aspergillosis has risen, posing a challenge due to long risk periods and toxic antifungal treatments.
  • Effective prevention of angioinvasive mold infections in immunocompromised hosts is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the challenges in preventing fungal infections post-BMT.
  • To emphasize the need for improved strategies against invasive aspergillosis.
  • To underscore the importance of understanding fungal pathogenesis and host risk factors.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on fungal infections in BMT.
  • Analysis of current antifungal prophylaxis and treatment limitations.
  • Discussion of emerging therapeutic approaches and research needs.

Main Results:

  • Azole antifungals have decreased Candida infections but not invasive aspergillosis.
  • Current mold-active antifungals have toxicities, complicating prophylaxis.
  • A significant unmet need exists for effective prevention of angioinvasive mold infections.

Conclusions:

  • New antifungal drugs and immune-boosting therapies are needed to reduce mortality.
  • A deeper understanding of fungal disease mechanisms and host susceptibility is essential.
  • Addressing fungal infections in BMT requires multifaceted strategies including improved prevention and treatment.

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