Related Experiment Videos
Aspergillus and lung transplantation
V Yeldandi1, F Laghi, M A McCabe
1Department of Medicine, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Ill. 60153, USA.
Background:
Aspergillus infection is a known complication of transplantation.
Methods:
We describe our experience with 37 patients who received lung transplants over 2 years at Loyola University Medical Center. All patients who had evidence of aspergillus on culture of clinical specimens or had biopsies with hyphal forms consistent with aspergillus were categorized according to the clinical manifestations. Important risk factors were analyzed in comparison with other lung transplant recipients during the same period.
Results:
The incidence of invasive aspergillosis was high (16%). No patient with disseminated disease survived. Locally invasive disease responded well to treatment with amphotericin B and itraconazole.
Conclusions:
Lung transplantation patients may have a higher incidence of aspergillosis as compared with other transplantation groups. Prophylactic measures need to be explored.
Insights
Lung transplant recipients face a high risk of Aspergillus infection. While locally invasive cases responded to antifungal treatment, disseminated disease proved fatal, highlighting the need for preventative strategies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Transplantation Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Aspergillus infection is a recognized complication following organ transplantation.
- Lung transplant recipients are particularly susceptible to fungal infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence, clinical manifestations, and outcomes of Aspergillus infections in lung transplant recipients.
- To identify risk factors associated with invasive aspergillosis in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 37 lung transplant patients over two years.
- Categorization of patients based on clinical manifestations of Aspergillus infection (culture or biopsy evidence).
- Analysis of risk factors compared to other transplant recipients.
Main Results:
- The incidence of invasive aspergillosis was 16% among lung transplant recipients.
- Disseminated Aspergillus disease resulted in mortality for all affected patients.
- Locally invasive disease showed positive response to amphotericin B and itraconazole treatment.
Conclusions:
- Lung transplant recipients may exhibit a higher incidence of aspergillosis compared to other transplant groups.
- Effective prophylactic measures against Aspergillus infection in lung transplant candidates and recipients require further investigation.
- Early diagnosis and targeted antifungal therapy are crucial for managing locally invasive disease.