Donor-derived Cryptococcus gattii complex infection after liver transplantation.

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Transplantation Medicine
• Mycology

Background:

• Cryptococcal disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant recipients.
• Donor-derived Cryptococcus spp. infections typically occur within the first month post-transplant.
• Historically, C. neoformans complex has been the predominant cause, particularly in kidney and liver transplant recipients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first case of donor-derived Cryptococcus gattii complex meningoencephalitis in a liver transplant recipient.
• To describe the successful treatment of this rare complication.
• To review existing literature on donor-derived cryptococcal infections in transplant patients.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 54-year-old female liver transplant recipient.
• Diagnosis of meningoencephalitis caused by C. gattii complex.
• Treatment with amphotericin B and fluconazole.
• Literature review of donor-derived cryptococcal infections.

Main Results:

• The patient developed early-onset meningoencephalitis attributed to donor-derived C. gattii.
• Successful treatment was achieved with a combination of amphotericin B and fluconazole.
• This represents the first documented case of its kind in a liver transplant recipient.

Conclusions:

• Donor-derived C. gattii complex infection is a rare but serious complication following liver transplantation.
• Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antifungal therapy are crucial for favorable outcomes.
• Awareness of this potential transmission route is important for transplant clinicians.