Fungal infections in intestinal and multivisceral transplant recipients

Area of Science:

• Transplantation immunology
• Infectious diseases
• Mycology

Background:

• Intestinal and multivisceral transplantation carry a high risk of infectious complications.
• Fungal infections represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in these immunocompromised patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review key diagnostic and management issues of fungal infections in intestinal and multivisceral transplant recipients.
• To highlight the current understanding of common and emerging fungal pathogens in this population.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on diagnostic and management strategies.
• Analysis of case reports, case series, and single-center experiences.
• Synthesis of data from other solid organ transplant recipients for less common pathogens.

Main Results:

• Invasive candidiasis is the most frequent fungal infection in this patient cohort.
• Aspergillus, mucorales, Cryptococcus, and endemic mycoses are emerging fungal pathogens, but data are limited.
• Current diagnostic and management experience is largely derived from case studies and extrapolated from other transplant types.

Conclusions:

• Invasive candidiasis is the primary fungal threat in intestinal and multivisceral transplant recipients.
• Diagnosis and treatment protocols for less common fungal infections are often based on data from other solid organ transplant populations.
• Further research is needed to establish specific guidelines for emerging fungal pathogens in this unique patient group.