Candida infections in solid organ transplantation: Guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice

Abstract

These updated guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice provide recommendations for the diagnosis and management of Candida infections in solid organ transplant recipients. Candida infections manifest primarily as candidemia and invasive candidiasis and cause considerable morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment are necessary to reduce mortality. For both candidemia and invasive candidiasis, an echinocandin is recommended for initial therapy. However, early transition to oral therapy is encouraged when patients are stable and the organism is susceptible. Candida prophylaxis should be targeted for high-risk patients in liver, small bowel, and pancreas transplant recipients. Future research should address which patient groups may benefit most from preventative antifungal therapy strategies.

Keywords: antifungal; fungal; infection and infectious; infection and infectious agents.