Fungal infections in solid organ transplantation

Renal, liver, heart and lung transplantation are now considered to be the standard therapeutic interventions in patients with end-stage organ failure. Infectious complications following transplantation are relatively common due to the transplant recipients overall immunosuppressed status. The incidence of invasive mycoses following solid organ transplant ranges from 5 to 42% depending on the organ transplanted. These mycoses are associated with high overall mortality rates. Candida and Aspergillus spp. produce most of these infections. This article will review the risk factors, clinical presentation and treatment of invasive fungal infections in solid organ transplant patients, and evaluate the role of prophylactic therapy in this group of patients.