Aspergillosis in Solid Organ Transplantation

Abstract

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) occurs in 1–15% of the solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Mortality rate in transplant recipients with IA historically has ranged from 65% to 92% (1–4). However, currently reported mortality rate in IA among SOT recipients is 22% (5). An estimated 9.3– 16.9% of all deaths in transplant recipients in the first year have been considered attributable to IA (6). Although the outcomes have improved in the current era, IA remains a significant posttransplant complication in SOT recipients. The review herein discusses the epidemiologic characteristics, risk factors, diagnostic laboratory assays and the approach to antifungal prophylaxis and treatment of IA in SOT recipients.