Fungal infection in organ transplant patients

• Published in: Chinese medical journal Vol. 116; no. 9; pp. 1421 - 1425
• Main Author: 洪微 温海 廖万清
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: China Department of Dermatology and Center of Medical Mycology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China 01.09.2003
• Subjects: Humans; Mycoses - etiology; Organ Transplantation; Postoperative Complications; 危险因素; 器官移植; 真菌感染; fungal; organ transplant; infection
• ISSN: 0366-6999; 2542-5641

Purpose To review the characteristics and evolution of the fungal spectrum, and the risk factors causing fungal infection, and to make progress in diagnosing fungal infection after organ transplantation.Data sources An English-language literature search (MEDLINE 1990 -2000) and bibliographic review of textbooks and review articles.Study selection Twenty-three articles were selected from the literature that specifically addressed the stated purpose.Results Fungal infections in organ transplant patients were generally divided into two types:①disseminated primary or reactivation infection with one of the geographically restricted systemic mycoses; ②opportunistic infection by fungal species that rarely cause invasive infection in normal hosts. The risk factors of fungal infection after a transplant can be evaluated and predicted according to the organ recipient's conditions before, during and after the transplant. Progress in eady diagnostic methods during the past 10 years has mainly revolved around two aspects, culture and non-culture.Conclusions It is important to undertake a systemic evaluation on the condition of the organ recipient before,during and after a transplant;should any risk factor for tungal infection be suspected,diagnosis should be made as early as possible by employing mycological techniques including culture and non-culture methods.