A case report of central nervous system mucormycosis and aspergillus pneumopericardium in a renal transplant recipient

Abstract

Renal transplant recipients are at high risk of opportunistic infections. The occurrence of infections is influenced by the intensity of immunosuppression, microbial exposures and other environmental and systemic factors. We present a case of a postrenal transplant recipient who developed polymicrobial infections, including bacterial and invasive fungal infections involving the cerebrum (Mucormycosis) and lung (Aspergillosis) complicated by extension into the pericardial cavity. Despite treatment with intravenous antibiotics and antifungals along with surgical debridement of infective focus, the patient succumbed to the illness. Fungal infections in posttransplant population can have myriad presentations and many pathogens can become locally and systemically invasive unless detected and controlled in a timely manner. Risk factors such as hyperglycemia and high immunosuppression should be appropriately addressed for the prevention of high-grade infections.