Fungal infection in liver transplantation

Abstract

Infection is the common cause of death following transplantation. Fungal infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality, and make up a significant proportion of infectious complications. Unfortunately, the diagnosis is usually made late--symptoms may be mild and non-specific, even with dissemination. Mortality associated with disseminated fungal infections is high, while those associated with limited fungal infections is low. Although the risk factors for invasive fungal infections in liver transplant patients are well identified, early diagnosis is challenging, and commonly used diagnostic methods lack sensitivity and specificity. Although the incidence of fungal infections following liver transplantation appears to be falling, mortality and morbidity associated with fungal infections suggests that future developments should focus on enhancing earlier diagnosis, implementing more effective and less toxic anti-fungal therapies.