CLINICAL ASPECTS OF FUNGAL INFECTION IN ORGAN TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS

Fungal infections following solid organ transplantation remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Candida species and Aspergillus fumigatus continue to account for the majority of these infections, although the attack rate is higher among recipients of organs other than kidneys because those patients receive more immunosuppressive therapy. Although amphotericin B remains the drug of choice for treatment of invasive aspergillosis, its toxicity profile limits its widespread use. Recent experience suggests that fluconazole may be a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of fungal infections caused by Candida species or Cryptococcus neoformans. Prevention of fungal infections remains one of the most important goals in the field of transplantation. New approaches-such as the use of ''preemptive therapy,'' or prophylaxis, for patients at greatest risk of developing infection-may assist in attainment of this goal.