Cutaneous Manifestations of Infections in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Post-transplant infections present a formidable challenge to the physician due to their varied presentation. Many of these infections begin by inoculation following skin compromise or disseminate to the skin hematogenously, making cutaneous manifestations of infection an important diagnostic clue in the immunocompromised. Quality research in this field is lacking, and this articles seeks to review the literature and present a guide to physicians in order for them to suspect certain infections by their cutaneous presentation.

The cutaneous presentation of opportunistic infections in transplant patients is extremely varied. However, as more case reports are published, certain patterns specific to individual organisms are emerging. In addition, early recognition is improving outcomes and systemic antibiotic therapy success. Early and correct recognition of disseminated infection in the immunocompromised host can be aided by close attention to cutaneous findings. This allows early and correct antibiotic therapy and improves outcomes.