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Respiratory Fungal Infections in Solid Organ and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Oveimar De La Cruz1, Fernanda P Silveira2

  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Virginia Commonwealth University, VMI Building, Suite 205, 1000 East Marshall Street, Richmond, VA 23298, USA.

Clinics in Chest Medicine
|November 13, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Hematopoietic stem cell and solid organ transplant recipients face high risks of invasive fungal infections, primarily Aspergillus. Early diagnosis and new prophylaxis strategies are crucial for managing these severe outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Transplantation Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Respiratory fungal infections pose significant threats to hematopoietic stem cell (HSCT) and solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, leading to high morbidity and mortality.
  • Molds, particularly Aspergillus species, are the predominant causative agents of these infections.
  • The degree of immunosuppression significantly influences the risk of developing fungal infections post-transplantation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and management of respiratory fungal infections in HSCT and SOT recipients.
  • To highlight the impact of immunosuppression and dissemination risks.
  • To discuss the evolving landscape of fungal infection prevention strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on fungal infections in transplant recipients.
  • Analysis of epidemiological trends and risk factors.
  • Evaluation of diagnostic modalities and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Aspergillus species are the most frequent fungal pathogens.
  • Atypical clinical presentations and diagnostic delays are common.
  • Fungal infections in these patients have a higher propensity for dissemination.
  • Novel prophylaxis strategies are altering the epidemiology of fungal infections.

Conclusions:

  • Respiratory fungal infections remain a critical concern in transplant recipients.
  • Comprehensive diagnostic approaches and timely interventions are essential.
  • Ongoing research into prophylaxis and treatment is vital for improving patient outcomes.
Keywords:
AspergillusFungal infectionFungal pneumoniaHematopoietic stem cell transplantSolid organ transplant

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