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Updated: May 31, 2026
An Ex vivo Assay to Study Candida albicans Hyphal Morphogenesis in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Published on: July 1, 2020
[Epidemiology of invasive fungal infection in solid organ transplant]
1Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario de Cruces, Universidad del País Vasco-Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Baracaldo, Vizcaya, España. josemiguel.montejobaranda@osakidetza.net
Abstract:
Despite advances made in the last decades, invasive fungal infections (IFI) continue to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant recipients. The most common pathogens causing IFI are Candida species, followed by Aspergillus and Cryptococcus. A shift in the epidemiology of IFI has been reported in the last few years. Non-Candida albicans Candida species and non-Aspergillus filamentous moulds have been increasingly observed in transplant patients. A change in the IFI onset time has also been described recently. In the RESITRA (Spanish Network of Infection in Transplantation) study, at least 50% of invasive aspergillosis (IA) infections and 40% of invasive Candida infections had been observed after 180 days of transplant. Some cases of cryptococcal infection, traditionally considered as a late onset infection, have been observed in the early post transplant period. Mortality due to IFI is still high, particularly in patients with IA. However, the progressive improvement achieved in diagnosis and prevention of IFI has led to a lower mortality rate.
Insights
Invasive fungal infections (IFI) remain a significant threat to solid organ transplant recipients, with changing pathogen trends and onset times. Advances in diagnosis and prevention are improving outcomes, but mortality remains high, especially for invasive aspergillosis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Transplantation Medicine
- Mycology
Context:
- Solid organ transplant recipients face significant risks of invasive fungal infections (IFI).
- Historically, Candida species are the most common IFI pathogens, followed by Aspergillus and Cryptococcus.
- Recent years show a shift in IFI epidemiology, with increased non-Candida albicans and non-Aspergillus filamentous fungi.
Purpose:
- To review the current landscape of invasive fungal infections in solid organ transplant recipients.
- To highlight recent epidemiological shifts in IFI pathogens and onset times.
- To discuss the impact of IFI on morbidity and mortality in this vulnerable population.
Summary:
- IFI remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant recipients.
- Epidemiological trends show an rise in non-Candida albicans Candida species and non-Aspergillus filamentous molds.
- IFI onset times are also changing, with some infections occurring earlier or later than traditionally observed.
- Mortality rates for IFI, particularly invasive aspergillosis, remain high, though improved diagnosis and prevention are reducing overall mortality.
Impact:
- Understanding these epidemiological changes is crucial for optimizing IFI prevention and treatment strategies.
- Early and accurate diagnosis of IFI is critical for improving patient outcomes.
- Continued research into novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches is needed to further reduce IFI-related morbidity and mortality in transplant recipients.
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