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Updated: Feb 11, 2026

Porcine Liver Transplantation Without Veno-Venous Bypass As an Extended Criteria Donor Model
Published on: August 17, 2022
Donor-Derived Candida dubliniensis Resulting in Perigraft Abscesses in a Liver Transplant Recipient Proven by Whole
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
Background:
The transmission of fungi via transplant, although well-known, has not often been molecularly proven. We describe a case of donor-derived candidiasis verified by whole genome sequencing.
Case Description:
The multiorgan donor was a 42-year-old woman with subdural hemorrhage. Procurement of the thoracic organs was performed followed by the abdominal organs. Tissue from the left bronchus grew Candida dubliniensis. The liver recipient was a 63-year-old woman with cryptogenic liver cirrhosis. She was noted to have worsening leukocytosis on postoperative day (POD) 9. Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis showed multiple rim-enhancing collections around the graft. Percutaneous drainage was performed. Fluid cultures grew C dubliniensis. C dubliniensis isolated from the donor's left bronchus and the liver recipient's abscesses were verified to be related by whole genome sequencing. We postulate that C dubliniensis colonizing the donor's transected trachea could have contaminated the inferior vena cava when the former was left open after explant of the donor's lungs. A portion of the donor's contaminated inferior vena cava was transplanted along with the liver graft, resulting in the infected collections in the recipient.
Conclusions:
Our case report highlights the importance of maintaining a sterile field during organ procurement, especially in a multiorgan donor whose organs are explanted in succession.
Insights
Fungal transmission during organ transplant was confirmed using whole genome sequencing. A donor
Area of Science:
- Transplantation immunology
- Medical mycology
- Genomics
Background:
- Fungal transmission through organ transplantation is a recognized risk, but molecular evidence is often lacking.
- This case investigates donor-derived fungal infection in a liver transplant recipient.
Observation:
- Candida dubliniensis was isolated from the donor's bronchus and the recipient's abscesses.
- Whole genome sequencing confirmed the genetic relatedness of the fungal isolates.
- The infection was likely transmitted via a contaminated segment of the inferior vena cava.
Findings:
- Donor-derived Candida dubliniensis infection in a liver transplant recipient.
- Molecular confirmation of fungal transmission via organ procurement.
- Successful treatment of candidiasis in the recipient post-transplant.
Implications:
- Highlights the critical need for stringent sterile techniques during multi-organ procurement.
- Emphasizes the potential for fungal contamination in sequential organ explantation.
- Underscores the value of whole genome sequencing in verifying transplant-associated infections.
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