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Cutaneous infection caused by Alternaria in patients receiving tacrolimus

M Pereiro1, Maria M Pereiro Ferreirós, G S De Hoog

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario, Faculty of Medicine, Santiago de Compostela, Spain. manuelpe@usc.es

Medical Mycology
|July 31, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Tacrolimus, an immunosuppressant, can increase fungal infection risk in transplant patients. Managing tacrolimus levels is crucial for treating infections like Alternaria alternata cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Immunology
  • Transplantation

Background:

  • Tacrolimus is a vital immunosuppressant in organ transplantation.
  • It exhibits antifungal properties but can complicate azole therapy in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Patients on tacrolimus may be at higher risk for fungal infections.

Observation:

  • A liver transplant recipient on tacrolimus developed cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis.
  • The infection was caused by the fungus Alternaria alternata.
  • The patient presented with elevated whole-blood tacrolimus levels during the infection.

Findings:

  • Surgical excision was effective for this cutaneous fungal infection.
  • Antifungal treatment was not required post-surgery.
  • Tacrolimus dosage adjustment was implemented.
  • Literature suggests tacrolimus-treated patients face more frequent, severe, and refractory fungal infections.

Implications:

  • Close monitoring of tacrolimus levels is essential in transplant patients.
  • Fungal infections in tacrolimus recipients may require tailored management strategies.
  • Understanding drug interactions and patient immune status is critical for successful outcomes.

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