Mold Infections in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Abstract

Mold infections carry a substantial clinical and economic burden in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients with a high overall mortality of near 30%. The most important pathogens include Aspergillus, the Zygomycetes, Fusarium, Scedosporium/Pseudallescheria, and the dematiaceous (dark) molds. Risk factors for the infections vary by transplant type but include degree of immune suppression and loss of skin or mucosal integrity. Correct diagnosis usually requires histopathology and/or culture. Management often requires a multidisciplinary team approach with combined antifungal and surgical therapies. This article reviews the epidemiology, risk factors, microbiology, diagnostic, and treatment approach to mold infections in SOT recipients.

Keywords: Antifungal; Aspergillosis; Fusariosis; Invasive fungal infections; Mucormycosis; Transplant.