Invasive aspergillosis in transplant recipients

Infections in Heart and Lung Transplant Recipients

Infections in heart and lung transplant recipients are complex and heterogeneous. This article reviews the epidemiology, risk factors, specific clinical syndromes, and most frequent opportunistic infections in heart and/or lung transplant recipients that will be encountered in the intensive care unit and will provide a practical approach of empirical management.

Antifungal prophylaxis and pre-emptive therapy: When and how?

The growing pool of critically ill or immunocompromised patients leads to a constant increase of life-threatening invasive infections by fungi such as Aspergillus spp., Candida spp. and Pneumocystis jirovecii. In response to this, prophylactic and pre-emptive antifungal treatment strategies have been developed and implemented for high-risk patient populations. The benefit by risk reduction needs to be carefully weighed against potential harm caused by prolonged exposure against antifungal agents. This includes adverse effects and development of resistance as well as costs for the healthcare system. In this review, we summarise evidence and discuss advantages and downsides of antifungal prophylaxis and pre-emptive treatment in the setting of malignancies such as acute leukaemia, haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, CAR-T cell therapy, and solid organ transplant. We also address preventive strategies in patients after abdominal surgery and with viral pneumonia as well as individuals with inherited immunodeficiencies. Notable progress has been made in haematology research, where strong recommendations regarding antifungal prophylaxis and pre-emptive treatment are backed by data from randomized controlled trials, whereas other critical areas still lack high-quality evidence. In these areas, paucity of definitive data translates into centre-specific strategies that are based on interpretation of available data, local expertise, and epidemiology. The development of novel immunomodulating anticancer drugs, high-end intensive care treatment and the development of new antifungals with new modes of action, adverse effects and routes of administration will have implications on future prophylactic and pre-emptive approaches.

Invasive Fungal Infections after Liver Transplantation

Invasive fungal infections represent a major challenge in patients who underwent organ transplantation. Overall, the most common fungal infections in these patients are candidiasis, followed by aspergillosis and cryptococcosis, except in lung transplant recipients, where aspergillosis is most common. Several risk factors have been identified, which increase the likelihood of an invasive fungal infection developing after transplantation. Liver transplant recipients constitute a high-risk category for invasive candidiasis and aspergillosis, and therefore targeted prophylaxis is favored in this patient population. Furthermore, a timely implemented therapy is crucial for achieving optimal outcomes in transplanted patients. In this article, we describe the epidemiology, risk factors, prophylaxis, and treatment strategies of the most common fungal infections in organ transplantation, with a focus on liver transplantation.

Incidence of Invasive Fungal Infections in Liver Transplant Recipients under Targeted Echinocandin Prophylaxis

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are one of the most important infectious complications after liver transplantation, determining morbidity and mortality. Antimycotic prophylaxis may impede IFI, but a consensus on indication, agent, or duration is still missing. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the incidence of IFIs under targeted echinocandin antimycotic prophylaxis in adult high-risk liver transplant recipients. We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing a deceased donor liver transplantation at the Medical University of Innsbruck in the period from 2017 to 2020. Of 299 patients, 224 met the inclusion criteria. We defined patients as being at high risk for IFI if they had two or more prespecified risk factors and these patients received prophylaxis. In total, 85% (190/224) of the patients were correctly classified according to the developed algorithm, being able to predict an IFI with a sensitivity of 89%. Although 83% (90/109) so defined high-risk recipients received echinocandin prophylaxis, 21% (23/109) still developed an IFI. The multivariate analysis identified the age of the recipient (hazard ratio-HR = 0.97, p = 0.027), split liver transplantation (HR = 5.18, p = 0.014), massive intraoperative blood transfusion (HR = 24.08, p = 0.004), donor-derived infection (HR = 9.70, p < 0.001), and relaparotomy (HR = 4.62, p = 0.003) as variables with increased hazard ratios for an IFI within 90 days. The fungal colonization at baseline, high-urgency transplantation, posttransplant dialysis, bile leak, and early transplantation showed significance only in a univariate model. Notably, 57% (12/21) of the invasive Candida infections were caused by a non-albicans species, entailing a markedly reduced one-year survival. The attributable 90-day mortality rate of an IFI after a liver transplant was 53% (9/17). None of the patients with invasive aspergillosis survived. Despite targeted echinocandin prophylaxis, there is still a notable risk for IFI. Consequently, the prophylactic use of echinocandins must be critically questioned regarding the high rate of breakthrough infections, the increased occurrence of fluconazole-resistant pathogens, and the higher mortality rate in non-albicans Candida species. Adherence to the internal prophylaxis algorithms is of immense importance, bearing in mind the high IFI rates in case algorithms are not followed.

Novel Treatment Approach for Aspergilloses by Targeting Germination

Germination of conidia is an essential process within the Aspergillus life cycle and plays a major role during the infection of hosts. Conidia are able to avoid detection by the majority of leukocytes when dormant. Germination can cause severe health problems, specifically in immunocompromised people. Aspergillosis is most often caused by Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) and affects neutropenic patients, as well as people with cystic fibrosis (CF). These patients are often unable to effectively detect and clear the conidia or hyphae and can develop chronic non-invasive and/or invasive infections or allergic inflammatory responses. Current treatments with (tri)azoles can be very effective to combat a variety of fungal infections. However, resistance against current azoles has emerged and has been increasing since 1998. As a consequence, patients infected with resistant A. fumigatus have a reported mortality rate of 88% to 100%. Especially with the growing number of patients that harbor azole-resistant Aspergilli, novel antifungals could provide an alternative. Aspergilloses differ in defining characteristics, but germination of conidia is one of the few common denominators. By specifically targeting conidial germination with novel antifungals, early intervention might be possible. In this review, we propose several morphotypes to disrupt conidial germination, as well as potential targets. Hopefully, new antifungals against such targets could contribute to disturbing the ability of Aspergilli to germinate and grow, resulting in a decreased fungal burden on patients.

Circulating microRNA sequencing revealed miRNome patterns in hematology and oncology patients aiding the prognosis of invasive aspergillosis

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) may occur as a serious complication of hematological malignancy. Delays in antifungal therapy can lead to an invasive disease resulting in high mortality. Currently, there are no well-established blood circulating microRNA biomarkers or laboratory tests which can be used to diagnose IA. Therefore, we aimed to define dysregulated miRNAs in hematology and oncology (HO) patients to identify biomarkers predisposing disease. We performed an in-depth analysis of high-throughput small transcriptome sequencing data obtained from the whole blood samples of our study cohort of 50 participants including 26 high-risk HO patients and 24 controls. By integrating in silico bioinformatic analyses of small noncoding RNA data, 57 miRNAs exhibiting significant expression differences (P < 0.05) were identified between IA-infected patients and non-IA HO patients. Among these, we found 36 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) irrespective of HO malignancy. Of the top ranked DEMs, we found 14 significantly deregulated miRNAs, whose expression levels were successfully quantified by qRT-PCR. MiRNA target prediction revealed the involvement of IA related miRNAs in the biological pathways of tumorigenesis, the cell cycle, the immune response, cell differentiation and apoptosis.

Antifungal prophylaxis in adult lung transplant recipients: Uncertainty despite 30 years of experience. A systematic review of the literature and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Invasive fungal infections (IFI), particularly invasive aspergillosis (IA), cause significant morbidity and mortality in lung transplant (LTx) recipients. The optimum strategy and antifungal agents for prevention are unclear.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive literature search, systematic review, and network meta-analysis using a frequentist framework to compare the efficacy of various antifungal drugs on the incidence of IA/IFI in the setting of universal prophylaxis or no prophylaxis following lung transplantation.

RESULTS

We included 13 eligible studies comprising of 1515 LTx recipients and 12 different prophylaxis strategies/antifungal combinations. The greatest number of direct comparisons were between the inhaled amphotericin formulations. The top three ranked treatments were inhaled liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB), inhaled amphotericin deoxycholate (AmBd), and itraconazole plus inhaled amphotericin B (AmB). Among the azoles, isavuconazole ranked highest. The certainty of the evidence, assessed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) framework, was very low.

CONCLUSION

Although universal antifungal prophylaxis post lung transplantation is commonly used, robust data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to inform the choice of antifungal agent and prophylaxis strategy are lacking. This exploratory network meta-analysis provides insight into the probable relative effectiveness of various antifungal agents in preventing IA, and this analysis should serve as a guide when selecting antifungals to be assessed in a RCT.

Liver Transplantation in Patients With Pretransplant Aspergillus Colonization: Is It Safe to Proceed?

BACKGROUND

Patients with end-stage liver disease and pretransplant Aspergillus colonization are problematic for determining liver transplant candidacy and timing of transplantation because of concerns for posttransplant invasive aspergillosis.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of the medical and laboratory records of all adult patients (aged ≥18 y) who underwent liver transplantation with pretransplant Aspergillus colonization at the Ronald Reagan University of California, Los Angeles, Medical Center from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2015.

RESULTS

A total of 27 patients who had Aspergillus colonization (respiratory tract 26, biliary tract 1) before liver transplantation were identified. Pretransplant characteristics included previous liver transplant (11 of 27, 40.7%), dialysis (22 of 27, 81.5%), corticosteroid therapy (12 of 27, 44.4%), intensive care unit stay (27 of 27, 100%), and median model for end-stage liver disease score of 39. Only 22.2% (6 of 27) received pretransplant antifungal agents (median duration, 5 d), whereas 100% (27 of 27) received posttransplant antifungal prophylaxis (voriconazole 81.4%, 22 of 27; echinocandin 14.8%, 4 of 27; voriconazole plus echinocandin 3.7%, 1 of 27) for median duration of 85 d. Posttransplant invasive fungal infection occurred in 14.8% (4 of 27; aspergillosis 3, mucormycosis 1). Both 6-month and 12-month survival were 66.7% (18 of 27), but only 1 death was due to fungal infection. Other causes of death were liver graft failure, intraabdominal complications, and malignancy.

CONCLUSIONS

A substantial number of patients with pretransplant Aspergillus colonization can still undergo successful liver transplantation if they are otherwise suitable candidates and receive appropriate antifungal prophylaxis. Posttransplant outcome in these patients is determined mostly by noninfectious complications and not fungal infection. Pretransplant Aspergillus colonization alone should not necessarily preclude or delay liver transplantation.

Fungal pneumonia in kidney transplant recipients

Fungal pneumonia is a dreaded complication encountered after kidney transplantation, complicated by increased mortality and often associated with graft failure. Diagnosis can be challenging because the clinical presentation is non-specific and diagnostic tools have limited sensitivity and specificity in kidney transplant recipients and must be interpreted in the context of the clinical setting. Management is difficult due to the increased risk of dissemination and severity, multiple comorbidities, drug interactions and reduced immunosuppression which should be applied as an important adjunct to therapy. This review will focus on the main causes of fungal pneumonia in kidney transplant recipients including Pneumocystis, Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, mucormycetes and Histoplasma. Epidemiology, clinical presentation, laboratory and radiographic features, specific characteristics will be discussed with an update on diagnostic procedures and treatment.

Aspergillosis: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment

The spectrum of disease produced by Aspergillus species ranges from allergic syndromes to chronic pulmonary conditions and invasive infections. Invasive aspergillosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Risk factors continue to evolve and include newer biological agents that target the immune system and postinfluenza infection; and it has been observed following COVID-19 infection. Diagnosis remains a challenge but non-culture-based methods are available. Antifungal resistance has emerged. Voriconazole remains the treatment of choice but isavuconazole and posaconazole have similar efficacy with less toxicity. Combination therapy is used with extensive infection and in severe immunosuppression.

Does Post-Transplant Cytomegalovirus Increase the Risk of Invasive Aspergillosis in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and invasive aspergillosis (IA) cause high morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. There are conflicting data with respect to the impact of CMV on IA development in SOT recipients. Methods: A literature search was conducted from existence through to 2 April 2021 using MEDLINE, Embase, and ISI Web of Science databases. This review contained observational studies including cross-sectional, prospective cohort, retrospective cohort, and case-control studies that reported SOT recipients with post-transplant CMV (exposure) and without post-transplant CMV (non-exposure) who developed or did not develop subsequent IA. A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled effect estimate. Results: A total of 16 studies were included for systematic review and meta-analysis. There were 5437 SOT patients included in the study, with 449 SOT recipients developing post-transplant IA. Post-transplant CMV significantly increased the risk of subsequent IA with pORs of 3.31 (2.34, 4.69), I² = 30%. Subgroup analyses showed that CMV increased the risk of IA development regardless of the study period (before and after 2003), types of organ transplantation (intra-thoracic and intra-abdominal transplantation), and timing after transplant (early vs. late IA development). Further analyses by CMV definitions showed CMV disease/syndrome increased the risk of IA development, but asymptomatic CMV viremia/infection did not increase the risk of IA. Conclusions: Post-transplant CMV, particularly CMV disease/syndrome, significantly increased the risks of IA, which highlights the importance of CMV prevention strategies in SOT recipients. Further studies are needed to understand the impact of programmatic fungal surveillance or antifungal prophylaxis to prevent this fungal-after-viral phenomenon.

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis after liver transplantation: lessons from successfully treated cases and review of the literature

PURPOSE

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) after liver transplantation (LT) is most often fatal. We analyzed the outcomes of IPA in a single center.

METHODS

We reviewed, retrospectively, the medical records of recipients of living donor LT (LDLT) or deceased donor LT (DDLT) performed between 1995 and 2019 at our institute. We analyzed the incidence of IPA and assessed the treatment courses of patients treated successfully and those not treatment successfully.

RESULTS

Among 326 recipients, IPA was diagnosed in 6 (1.8%). The incidence of IPA was significantly higher in patients with acute liver failure (ALF, 9.8%) than in those without ALF (0.4%), after DDLT (8.8%) than after LDLT (1.0%), and in recipients who received preoperative steroid pulse therapy (16.0%) than in those who did not (0.7%). Complete cure of IPA was achieved in the most recent three patients, by administering voriconazole immediately after the diagnosis of IPA and performing lung resection, while the IPA lesion was single and localized.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with risk factors for IPA must be monitored closely. Our three successfully treated cases demonstrate that initiating immediate voriconazole treatment and making a calculated decision about lung resection can contribute to a favorable outcome.

Diagnosis of Breakthrough Fungal Infections in the Clinical Mycology Laboratory: An ECMM Consensus Statement

Breakthrough invasive fungal infections (bIFI) cause significant morbidity and mortality. Their diagnosis can be challenging due to reduced sensitivity to conventional culture techniques, serologic tests, and PCR-based assays in patients undergoing antifungal therapy, and their diagnosis can be delayed contributing to poor patient outcomes. In this review, we provide consensus recommendations on behalf of the European Confederation for Medical Mycology (ECMM) for the diagnosis of bIFI caused by invasive yeasts, molds, and endemic mycoses, to guide diagnostic efforts in patients receiving antifungals and support the design of future clinical trials in the field of clinical mycology. The cornerstone of lab-based diagnosis of breakthrough infections for yeast and endemic mycoses remain conventional culture, to accurately identify the causative pathogen and allow for antifungal susceptibility testing. The impact of non-culture-based methods are not well-studied for the definite diagnosis of breakthrough invasive yeast infections. Non-culture-based methods have an important role for the diagnosis of breakthrough invasive mold infections, in particular invasive aspergillosis, and a combination of testing involving conventional culture, antigen-based assays, and PCR-based assays should be considered. Multiple diagnostic modalities, including histopathology, culture, antibody, and/or antigen tests and occasionally PCR-based assays may be required to diagnose breakthrough endemic mycoses. A need exists for diagnostic tests that are effective, simple, cheap, and rapid to enable the diagnosis of bIFI in patients taking antifungals.

Development of fungal spore staining methods for flow cytometric quantification and their application in chlorine-based disinfection

Fungal contamination in drinking water has been becoming a hot topic. The routine enumeration method of fungal spores is heterotrophic plate counts (HPC). However, this method is time-consuming and labor-intensive and there is also the difficulty of enumerating viable but non-culturable cells. In this study, a rapid, simple and accurate method for quantifying fungal spores and discriminating their viability in water was established using flow cytometry (FCM) combined with fluorescence dyes. The optimal staining conditions are as follows: spores suspensions are sonicated at 495 W for 5 min as pretreatment, and then 10 μL of SYBR Green I (100×) and 30 mM Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid are added to a 500 μL water sample, which incubate at 35 °C for 20 min in dark. The concentration of fungal spores measured by FCM was highly correlated with HPC results and microscope observations, with correlation coefficient of 0.996 and 0.988, respectively. This staining method can be widely applied to the enumeration and viability evaluation of fungal spores. In addition, chlorine-based inactivation of three genera of fungal spores was assessed by plating and FCM. The result showed that all three genera of fungal spores lost culturability firstly and then membrane integrity decreased, preliminarily revealing the inactivation mechanism. The inactivation rate constants of membrane damage varied in the following order: chlorine dioxide > chlorine > chloramine. This study concluded that FCM is an appropriate and alternative tool to detect fungal spores' viability and can be used for evaluating the fungal inactivation by disinfectants.

Lethal thrombosis of the iliac artery caused by Aspergillus fumigatus after liver transplantation: case report and review of the literature

Background

Aspergillus fumigatus infections frequently occur after solid organ transplantation. Yet, a fungal thrombosis after liver transplantation is an exceptional finding.

Case presentation

We report on a 44-year-old female with an aspergillosis after liver transplantation for autoimmune hepatitis. On postoperative day (pod) 7, seizures occurred and imaging diagnostics revealed an intracranial lesion. Anidulafungin was initiated in suspicion of mycosis and switched to voriconazole on suspicion of an Aspergillus spp. infection. Progression of the cerebral lesion prompted craniotomy (pod 48) and the aspergillosis was verified. The patient was discharged with oral voriconazole therapy. Re-admission was necessary with acute-on-chronic renal failure after a tacrolimus overdose on pod 130. The patient received a pelvic angiography due to a temperature difference in the legs. It showed a complete iliac artery thrombosis which was subsecutively surgically removed. The histopathological examination revealed an Aspergillus fumigatus conglomerate. The patient died on pod 210 due to systemic aspergillosis.

Conclusion

The acute development of focal neurologic deficits is common in patients with an aspergillosis of the brain. Nevertheless, arterial thrombosis after Aspergillus fumigatus is less frequent and, to the best of our knowledge, its occurrence after liver transplantation has not yet been reported so far. Due to its rarity, we added a review of the literature to this manuscript.

Retrospective study evaluating the performance of risk factors for invasive mold infections in liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Mold infections in liver transplant are associated with high mortality. Guidelines recommend prophylaxis targeted against mold based upon risk factors of fulminant hepatic failure, retransplantation, reoperation, and renal replacement therapy post-transplant. It is not known if these factors identify risk of mold infection at every center.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted of adult liver transplant recipients at a single center from 2010 to 2014. The association between risk factors and invasive mold infection and effect of antifungal prophylaxis were determined.

RESULTS

Five hundred thirty-four liver transplant recipients were identified. The overall incidence of invasive mold infection was 0.9% (N = 5). The incidence in patients with (N = 128) and without (N = 406) risk factors was 0.78% and 0.98%, respectively. Antifungal prophylaxis with mold activity was administered to 23/128 (18%) with risk factors, and none developed infection. No mold-active prophylaxis was given to 105/128 (82%) with risk factors, and incidence of mold infection was 0.95% (N = 1). Number needed to treat was 105.

CONCLUSIONS

Traditional risk factors for mold infection in liver transplant performed poorly. These results underscore the importance of transplant center-specific data to inform adoption of an antifungal prophylactic strategy. Studies are needed to determine alternative risk factors to facilitate appropriate targeting of antifungals.

Epidemiology and Outcomes of Hospitalizations With Invasive Aspergillosis in the United States, 2009-2013

Background

Though invasive aspergillosis (IA) complicates care of up to 13% of patients with immunocompromise, little is known about its morbidity and mortality burden in the United States.

Methods

We analyzed the Health Care Utilization Project's data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for 2009-2013. Among subjects with high-risk conditions for IA, IA was identified via International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes 117.3, 117.9, and 484.6. We compared characteristics and outcomes between those with (IA) and without IA (non-IA). Using propensity score matching, we calculated the IA-associated excess mortality and 30-day readmission rates, length of stay, and costs.

Results

Of the 66634683 discharged patients meeting study inclusion criteria, 154888 (0.2%) had a diagnosis of IA. The most common high-risk conditions were major surgery (50.1%) in the non-IA and critical illness (41.0%) in the IA group. After propensity score matching, both mortality (odds ratio, 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-1.51) and 30-day readmission (1.39; 1.34-1.45) rates were higher in the IA group. IA was associated with 6.0 (95% confidence interval, 5.7-6.4) excess days in the hospital and $15542 ($13869-$17215) in excess costs per hospitalization.

Conclusions

Although rare even among high-risk groups, IA is associated with increased hospital mortality and 30-day readmission rates, excess duration of hospitalization, and costs. Given nearly 40000 annual admissions for IA in the United States, the aggregate IA-attributable excess costs may reach $600 million annually.

Iron: an essential nutrient for Aspergillus fumigatus and a fulcrum for pathogenesis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous saprophytic fungus that can cause life-threatening invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients. Apart from the immune status of the host only a few characterized virulence factors have been identified. In this review, we describe the role of iron in the manifestation of A. fumigatus virulence.

RECENT FINDINGS

We gathered recent clinical evidence suggesting that tissue iron overload increases the risk of invasive aspergillosis occurrence. Furthermore, we summarize the mechanisms that A. fumigatus employs to achieve iron homeostasis and their importance in A. fumigatus proliferation in vitro. We describe two recent in-vivo models that clearly demonstrate the importance of iron in A. fumigatus growth and invasion.

SUMMARY

Based on these recent findings, therapy aimed at managing A. fumigatus iron homeostasis locally could make conditions more favorable to the host.

Invasive Aspergillosis in solid-organ transplant recipients: Guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice

These updated AST-IDCOP guidelines provide information on epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of Aspergillus after organ transplantation. Aspergillus is the most common invasive mold infection in solid-organ transplant (SOT) recipients, and it is the most common invasive fungal infection among lung transplant recipients. Time from transplant to diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA) is variable, but most cases present within the first year post-transplant, with shortest time to onset among liver and heart transplant recipients. The overall 12-week mortality of IA in SOT exceeds 20%; prognosis is worse among those with central nervous system involvement or disseminated disease. Bronchoalveolar lavage galactomannan is preferred for the diagnosis of IA in lung and non-lung transplant recipients, in combination with other diagnostic modalities (eg, chest CT scan, culture). Voriconazole remains the drug of choice to treat IA, with isavuconazole and lipid formulations of amphotericin B regarded as alternative agents. The role of combination antifungals for primary therapy of IA remains controversial. Either universal prophylaxis or preemptive therapy is recommended in lung transplant recipients, whereas targeted prophylaxis is favored in liver and heart transplant recipients. In these guidelines, we also discuss newer antifungals and diagnostic tests, antifungal susceptibility testing, and special patient populations.

Invasive Aspergillosis After Kidney Transplant-Treatment Approach

Aim:

Aim of the article was to present a case of post transplantation invasive aspergillosis, successfully treated with conservative and surgical treatment.

Case report:

Patient, male, 44 years old, with second kidney transplant, required special preparation therapy, because he was sensitized, with concentration of Panel Reactive Antibody (PRA) class I 11% and PRA class II 76%. On the day of transplantation, induction was done with anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) and glucocorticosteroids. After transplantation, plasmapheresis with ATG was performed. On the fourth day patient was anuric. Fine-needle biopsy of the graft was performed and showed positive CD4 antibodies for peritubular capillaries and humoral rejection. 14 plasmaphereses through 14 days, were negative and ATG treatment was suspended completely. Full therapeutic dosage of tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil were given during treatment. Four days after treatment patient was stable, but next day clinical status had worsened with dyspnea and fever. In sputum, spores of Aspergillus species were microscopically found, and radiologically by computerised tomography. Caspofungin was administered for seven days. Voriconazole therapy was given for first ten days by intravenous route and after then orally. Even with this treatment, there was no improvement in clinical picture, while CT scan of the lungs showed abscess collection in right lung. Lobectomy was performed and pus collection was found. After graft-nephroctomy, patient was treated with continous veno-venous hemodiafiltration (CV-VHDF) dialyses, with constant voriconazole therapy for the next three months (200mg two times per day). After one month of diagnosis, Galactomannan (GM) test was negative.

Conclusion:

Although highly sensitized patients, those who are on hemodialysis, in preparation for transplantation, receive intensive immunosuppressive therapy that suppress the immune system. Occurrence of secondary fungal infections especially infection by aspergillosis, is cause of high mortality of infected. Application GM test that detects existence of antibodies against Aspergillus antigens and usage of different type of immunosuppressive preparation can increase longevity of graft and patients in solid organ transplantation program. Aspergillosis is treated with voriconazole and surgery, and sometimes graft-nephrectomy if needed. Recommendation is that in all immunocompromised hosts and organ transplant recipient should have been tested with GM test.

Should all tubercular cavities be left alone? Lessons from a heart transplant

Fungal infection after solid organ transplantation poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We present the case of a 50-year-old man who underwent orthotopic heart transplantation for dilated cardiomyopathy with a history of treated pulmonary tuberculosis 10 years pre-transplant. One year post-transplantation, he was admitted with recurrent productive cough and was evaluated to have intracavitory aspergillosis of the lung. He was started on medical therapy with reduction in immunosuppression, but succumbed later with allograft rejection and multiorgan failure. Management of invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised host is a real challenge. Management protocol should be individualised.

Infections in Liver Transplantation

Liver transplantation has become an important treatment modality for patients with end-stage liver disease/cirrhosis, acute liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although surgical techniques and immunosuppressive regimens for liver transplantation have improved significantly over the past 20 years, infectious complications continue to contribute to the morbidity and mortality in this patient population. The use of standardized screening protocols for both donors and recipients, coupled with targeted prophylaxis against specific pathogens, has helped to mitigate the risk of infection in liver transplant recipients. Patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis have immunological deficits that place them at increased risk for infection while awaiting liver transplantation. The patient undergoing liver transplantation is prone to develop healthcare-acquired infections due to multidrug-resistant organisms that could potentially affect patient outcomes after transplantation. The complex nature of liver transplant surgery that involves multiple vascular and hepatobiliary anastomoses further increases the risk of infection after liver transplantation. During the early post-transplantation period, healthcare-acquired bacterial and fungal infections are the most common types of infection encountered in liver transplant recipients. The period of maximal immunosuppression that occurs at 1–6 months after transplantation can be complicated by opportunistic infections due to both primary infection and reactivation of latent infection. Severe community-acquired infections can complicate the course of liver transplantation beyond 12 months after transplant surgery. This chapter provides an overview of liver transplantation including indications, donor-recipient selection criteria, surgical procedures, and immunosuppressive therapies. A focus on infections in patients with chronic liver disease/cirrhosis and an overview of the specific infectious complications in liver transplant recipients are presented.

Renal aspergillosis in a liver transplant patient: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Aspergillosis is a frequent invasive fungal infection in liver recipients (affecting 1%-9.2% of all patients), second only to candidiasis. Significant risk factors for invasive aspergillosis in liver recipients include corticosteroid therapy, neutropenia, T-cell dysfunction, renal failure and requirement for renal replacement therapy. Aspergillus infection usually affects the lungs of liver recipients, with hematogenous dissemination occurring in 50%-60% of cases. Renal involvement is rare and is considered to occur in 0.4% of all cases of invasive aspergillosis.

CASE SUMMARY

This paper describes a case of a liver recipient presenting with a newly formed renal mass a year after liver transplantation. The patient underwent liver transplantation due to alcoholic liver cirrhosis, with preoperative corticosteroid therapy and postoperative immunosuppressants (tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil). His 1-year follow-up was uneventful, with a satisfying graft function and lack of any symptoms. During a routine follow-up abdominal ultrasound, he was diagnosed with a renal tumor. The renal imaging findings were inconclusive (with a differential diagnosis to renal cell carcinoma), while the computed tomography (CT) of the chest showed scar tissue in the lungs suggestive of previous inflammation. The patient underwent radical nephrectomy, with histopathological analysis showing renal aspergilloma, yielding postoperative treatment with voriconazole. His follow up was uneventful, and the chest CT did not show any change in pulmonary lesions. This case illustrates the possibility of aspergillosis affecting the lungs of liver recipients, subsequently affecting the kidney and forming an aspergilloma.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians should be aware of aspergilloma mimicking solid organ tumors in organ recipients.

Infections in Heart and Lung Transplant Recipients

Infections in heart and lung transplant recipients are complex and heterogeneous. This article reviews the epidemiology, risk factors, specific clinical syndromes, and most frequent opportunistic infections in heart and/or lung transplant recipients that will be encountered in the intensive care unit and will provide a practical approach of empirical management.

Intensive Care of Pulmonary Complications Following Liver Transplantation

Chronic liver disease has been associated with pulmonary dysfunction both before and after liver transplantation. Post-liver transplantation pulmonary complications can affect both morbidity and mortality often necessitating intensive care during the immediate postoperative period. The major pulmonary complications include pneumonia, pleural effusions, pulmonary edema, and atelectasis. Poor clinical outcomes have been known to be associated with age, severity of liver dysfunction, and preexisting lung disease as well as perioperative events related to fluid balance, particularly transfusion and fluid volumes. Delineating each and every one of these pulmonary complications and their associated risk factors becomes paramount in guiding specific therapeutic strategies.

Causes of Hemoptysis in Renal Transplant Patients

OBJECTIVES

Hemoptysis is a symptom that can be caused by airway disease, pulmonary parenchymal disease, or pulmonary vascular disease, or it can be idiopathic. Infection is the most common cause of hemoptysis, accounting for 60% to 70% of cases. Hemoptysis is also an initial symptom of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage syndrome, although it may be absent at presentation in one-third of patients. Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage is characterized by disruption of the alveolar-capillary basement membranes because of either injury or inflammation of the arterioles, venules, or capillaries, resulting in bleeding in alveolar spaces. To date, no study in the literature has investigated the cause of hemoptysis in renal transplant patients. In this retrospective study, we aimed to investigate the causes of hemoptysis in renal recipients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The data included in this study were obtained from 352 renal transplant patients who were consulted by the pulmonology department regarding hemoptysis between 2011 and 2017 at Baskent University. Patient medical records were reviewed for demographic, clinical, radiographic, bronchoscopic features, and microbiology data. Immunosuppressive drugs and clinical outcome data were also noted.

RESULTS

This study included 352 renal transplant patients (139 male patients with mean age of 34.9 ± 7 years and 113 female patients with mean age of 31.1 ± 5 years). Hemoptysis was detected in 17 patients (4.8%),with 3 (0.85%) having massive hemoptysis as a result of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage syndrome. Fourteen of our patient group (4%) had pneumonia, and Aspergillus species was detected in 5 patients (1.4%). The only reason for diffuse alveolar hemorrhage was immunosuppressive agents, including sirolimus and mycophenolate mofetil.

CONCLUSIONS

Hemoptysis is an important respiratory symptom in renal transplant patients. Although community- or hospital-acquired pneumonia may result in hemoptysis, drug-induced diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and Aspergillus infection should be considered for causes in renal transplant patients.

Radiologically Occult Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in a Patient With Liver Transplant

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is an infection seen in patients receiving intensive immunosuppressive regimens, such as transplant recipients. Some risk factors that increase the incidence of infection have been determined, and patients defined as having high risk are recommended to take antifungal prophylaxis and be monitored closely. Here, we present a liver transplant patient with mild respiratory symptoms and a normal chest radiography on day 26 posttransplant. However, he had acute renal failure and underwent hemodialysis, which are both defined to increase significantly the risk of aspergillosis. Although the radiographic scan was initially normal, thorax tomography and later bronchoscopy showed findings compatible with pulmonary aspergillosis, and the patient was started on antifungal treatment. The nonspecific mild symptoms and an initial normal radiology can make diagnosis of invasive fungal infections difficult; thus caution and close follow-up of high-risk patients should be performed.

Severe Hepatitis C Recurrence as a Risk Factor for Opportunistic Infections in Liver Transplant Recipients

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to determine the clinical characteristics, frequency of opportunistic infections (OI), and the outcomes for liver transplant recipients with severe hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence. In addition, the objective was to evaluate HCV recurrence as a risk factor for developing an OI.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective observational study recording all liver transplant recipients from July 1, 2003, to December 31, 2012. Patients with liver disease due to HCV were selected. Active surveillance of infections was conducted periodically, and patients were classified according to presence of severe HCV recurrence.

RESULTS

Three hundred seventy patients underwent liver transplantation because of chronic HCV. One hundred forty-seven patients presented severe recurrence (SR) (49%) and 50 (17%) of them had post-liver transplant cholestatic hepatitis C. Patients with SR presented OI, especially cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections and invasive fungal infections, more frequently than patients without SR (33% vs 13%; P < .001). From the diagnosis of SR to the presentation of OI, the median number of days was 169 (6-2083). Acute allograft rejection (OR 1.8 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-3.3) donor age ≥60 years (OR 2.9 95% CI 1.3-6.8), and SR (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.6-5.1) were independently associated with the development of OI in liver transplant recipients.

CONCLUSION

A high index of suspicion of opportunistic infections must be maintained when faced with severe HCV recurrence in liver transplant recipients. Moreover, active surveillance against CMV infection and other prophylactic strategies against opportunistic infections should be considered.

Microhemorrhage-associated tissue iron enhances the risk for Aspergillus fumigatus invasion in a mouse model of airway transplantation

Invasive pulmonary disease due to the mold Aspergillus fumigatus can be life-threatening in lung transplant recipients, but the risk factors remain poorly understood. To study this process, we used a tracheal allograft mouse model that recapitulates large airway changes observed in patients undergoing lung transplantation. We report that microhemorrhage-related iron content may be a major determinant of A. fumigatus invasion and, consequently, its virulence. Invasive growth was increased during progressive alloimmune-mediated graft rejection associated with high concentrations of ferric iron in the graft. The role of iron in A. fumigatus invasive growth was further confirmed by showing that this invasive phenotype was increased in tracheal transplants from donor mice lacking the hemochromatosis gene (Hfe^-/- ). The invasive phenotype was also increased in mouse syngrafts treated with topical iron solution and in allograft recipients receiving deferoxamine, a chelator that increases iron bioavailability to the mold. The invasive growth of the iron-intolerant A. fumigatus double-knockout mutant (ΔsreA/ΔcccA) was lower than that of the wild-type mold. Alloimmune-mediated microvascular damage and iron overload did not appear to impair the host's immune response. In human lung transplant recipients, positive staining for iron in lung transplant tissue was more commonly seen in endobronchial biopsy sections from transplanted airways than in biopsies from the patients' own airways. Collectively, these data identify iron as a major determinant of A. fumigatus invasive growth and a potential target to treat or prevent A. fumigatus infections in lung transplant patients.

Nontuberculous mycobacterial and Aspergillus infections among cadaveric lung transplant recipients in Japan

BACKGROUND

Lung transplantation is an effective treatment modality for respiratory failure. Chronic lung infections, including infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and Aspergillus, are difficult to control, and uncontrolled infections are relative contraindications for lung transplantation. However, few reports have documented the incidence and outcome of these infections in lung transplant recipients.

METHODS

To quantify the incidence and outcomes of colonization and disease caused by NTM and aspergillosis in recipients before and after lung transplantation, we reviewed the medical records and microbiology data from 240 consecutive cadaveric lung transplant recipients between 2000 and 2014.

RESULTS

Before lung transplantation, NTM and Aspergillus species were isolated from five (2.1%) and six (2.5%) patients, respectively, out of the total 240 recipients. All patients with NTM infection received treatment, resulting in culture conversion. They had no recurrence after lung transplantation. All patients with aspergillosis received treatment, one of whom had recurrence after lung transplantation. Over a median follow-up period of 3.3 years, NTM species were isolated after transplantation from eight of 240 patients (3.3%). Five of these patients met the criteria for NTM disease, and four of them received treatment. Four patients survived without a worsening of NTM disease. Over the same median follow-up period, Aspergillus species were isolated from seven of 240 patients (2.9%), six of whom received treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Isolation of NTM or Aspergillus species from lung transplant recipients is uncommon. Adequate pre-transplant control and post-transplant management of NTM and Aspergillus infections allows for safe lung transplantation.

Invasive Aspergillus terreus morphological transitions and immunoadaptations mediating antifungal resistance

Background and aims

Aspergillus terreus Thom is a pathogen of public health and agricultural importance for its seamless abilities to expand its ecological niche. The aim of this study was holistically to investigate A. terreus morphological and immunoadaptations and their implication in antifungal resistance and proliferation during infection.

Materials and methods

In-depth unstructured mining of relevant peer-reviewed literature was performed for A. terreus morphological, immune, resistance, and genetic diversity based on the sequenced calmodulin-like gene.

Results

Accessory conidia and phialidic conidia produced by A. terreus confer discrete anti-fungal resistance that ensures survivability during therapies. Interestingly, by producing unique metabolites such as Asp–melanin and terretonin, A. terreus is capable of hijacking macrophages and scavenging iron, respectively. As such, A. terreus has established a rare mechanism to mitigate phagocytosis and swing the interaction dynamics in favor of its proliferation and survival in hosts.

Conclusion

It is further unraveled that besides A. terreus genetic diversity, morphological, biochemical, and immunologic adaptations associated with conidia germination and discharge of chemical signals during infection enable masking of the host defense as an integral part of its strategy to survive and rapidly colonize hosts.

Multicenter Evaluation of Risk Factors for Aspergillosis in Patients Treated with Lipid Amphotericin B Products: Outcomes, Drug Utilization Parameters, and Benchmarking

Purpose

To evaluate the use of lipid amphotericin B products in relation to risk factors for aspergillosis and candidemia at the time therapy was initiated.

Methods

A single-group, concurrent, observational, multicenter study in hospitalized patients receiving a lipid amphotericin B product (Abelcet or AmBisome) was undertaken. The severity of illness, duration of therapy, length of hospital stay, microbiology, all-cause mortality, physician specialty, and clinical characteristics of each patient was recorded. Risk factors for aspergillosis and candidemia and process markers that might identify patients as candidates for lipid amphotericin B therapy were collected.

Results

One hundred eighty-six patients were enrolled in six US medical centers. One hundred four patients had positive fungal cultures; the majority of positive cultures were for Candida albicans (n = 40) or yeast (n = 27). Sixteen patients had positive cultures for Aspergillus. All patients receiving a lipid amphotericin B product had an overall statistically significantly greater number of risk factors for Candida vs Aspergillus infection. The mean (± SD) number of risk factors for Aspergillus was 2.46 ± 1.97 (range 0–10) and for Candida was 7.77 ± 3.14 (range 1–16) (P < 0.05). Risk factor assessment by medical service showed a statistically significantly larger number of Aspergillus risk factors in the bone marrow transplant (BMT) service compared with all other services (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

There were fewer documented risk factors for aspergillosis than candidemia in patients receiving a lipid amphotericin B product. Establishing drug usage protocols that include culture analysis, risk factor identification, high-risk medical services, and incorporation of drug use evaluation measures can guide the practitioner in selecting the appropriate therapy for their patients.

Evaluation of serum galactomannan enzyme immunoassay at two different cut-offs for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in patients with febrile neutropenia

BACKGROUND

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is an increasingly common and fatal opportunistic fungal infection in patients with haematological diseases. Early diagnosis is difficult as mycological culture techniques have low sensitivity and the radiological tools have low specificity. Galactomannan enzyme immunoassay (GEI) detects galactomannan in the human serum with a reported sensitivity and specificity between 30% and 100%.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to analyse the role of GEI in diagnosis of IA in patients with febrile neutropenia and to evaluate the role of GEI in the diagnosis of IA as per the revised (2008) European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Mycoses Study Group (EORTC-MSG) criteria at two different optical density (OD) cut-offs of 0.5 and 1.0.

SETTING

This prospective study was conducted in Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India.

METHODS

GEI testing was performed in adult patients of febrile neutropenia with evidence of IA. Results at two different OD indices (ODIs) of 0.5 and 1.0 were analysed. The evaluation of the diagnostic parameter, that is, GEI was measured in terms of sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive value and was validated with the revised (2008) EORTC-MSG diagnostic criteria of IA.

RESULTS

One hundred and eleven patients had evidence of IA, of which 79 patients were GEI positive when cut-off ODI was 0.5, whereas with cut-off ODI 1.0, 55 patients were GEI positive.

CONCLUSION

ODI of 1.0 should be considered as positive while in patients with OD between 0.5 and 1.0, repeat sampling from the patient is recommended.

Invasive Aspergillosis: Current Strategies for Diagnosis and Management

Aspergillosis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the immunocompromised population. The spectrum of disease is broad, ranging from severe and rapidly fatal infection to noninvasive disease. The diversity of patients and risk factors complicates diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making. Invasive procedures are often precluded by host status; noninvasive diagnostic tests vary in their sensitivity and specificity. Advancements in understanding the pathophysiology of invasive aspergillosis and host genetics in differential risk have also occurred. Future work may assist in therapeutic decision-making and patient prognosis. Voriconazole remains the preferred agent for treatment. Additional alternatives have emerged.

Aspergillosis and stem cell transplantation: An overview of experimental pathogenesis studies

Invasive aspergillosis is a life-threatening infection caused by the opportunistic filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. Patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) for the treatment of hematological malignancy are at particularly high risk of developing this fatal infection. The susceptibility of HSCT patients to infection with A. fumigatus is a consequence of a complex interplay of both fungal and host factors. Here we review our understanding of the host-pathogen interactions underlying the susceptibility of the immunocompromised host to infection with A. fumigatus with a focus on the experimental validation of fungal and host factors relevant to HSCT patients. These include fungal factors such as secondary metabolites, cell wall constituents, and metabolic adaptations that facilitate immune evasion and survival within the host microenvironment, as well as the innate and adaptive immune responses involved in host defense against A. fumigatus.

Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Aspergillosis: 2016 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America

It is important to realize that guidelines cannot always account for individual variation among patients. They are not intended to supplant physician judgment with respect to particular patients or special clinical situations. IDSA considers adherence to these guidelines to be voluntary, with the ultimate determination regarding their application to be made by the physician in the light of each patient's individual circumstances.

Approach to the Solid Organ Transplant Patient with Suspected Fungal Infection

In solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Detection of IFIs can be difficult because the signs and symptoms are similar to those of viral or bacterial infections, and diagnostic techniques have limited sensitivity and specificity. Clinicians must rely on knowledge of the patient's risk factors for fungal infection to make a diagnosis. The authors describe their approach to the SOT recipient with suspected fungal infection. The epidemiology of IFIs in the SOT population is reviewed, and a syndromic approach to suspected IFI in SOT recipients is described.

Relationship between Fungal Colonisation of the Respiratory Tract in Lung Transplant Recipients and Fungal Contamination of the Hospital Environment

BACKGROUND

Aspergillus colonisation is frequently reported after lung transplantation. The question of whether aspergillus colonisation is related to the hospital environment is crucial to prevention.

METHOD

To elucidate this question, a prospective study of aspergillus colonisation after lung transplantation, along with a mycological survey of the patient environment, was performed.

RESULTS

Forty-four consecutive patients were included from the day of lung transplantation and then examined weekly for aspergillus colonisation until hospital discharge. Environmental fungal contamination of each patient was followed weekly via air and surface sampling. Twelve patients (27%) had transient aspergillus colonisation, occurring 1-13 weeks after lung transplantation, without associated manifestation of aspergillosis. Responsible Aspergillus species were A. fumigatus (6), A. niger (3), A. sydowii (1), A. calidoustus (1) and Aspergillus sp. (1). In the environment, contamination by Penicillium and Aspergillus was predominant. Multivariate analysis showed a significant association between occurrence of aspergillus colonisation and fungal contamination of the patient's room, either by Aspergillus spp. in the air or by A.fumigatus on the floor. Related clinical and environmental isolates were genotyped in 9 cases of aspergillus colonisation. For A. fumigatus (4 cases), two identical microsatellite profiles were found between clinical and environmental isolates collected on distant dates or locations. For other Aspergillus species, isolates were different in 2 cases; in 3 cases of aspergillus colonisation by A. sydowii, A. niger and A. calidoustus, similarity between clinical and environmental internal transcribed spacer and tubulin sequences was >99%.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results support the hypothesis of environmental risk of hospital acquisition of aspergillus colonisation in lung transplant recipients.

An Approach to a Pulmonary Infiltrate in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

The onset of a pulmonary infiltrate in a solid organ transplant (SOT) recipient is both a challenging diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We outline the potential aetiologies of a pulmonary infiltrate in a SOT recipient, with particular attention paid to fungal pathogens. A diagnostic and empirical therapy approach to a pulmonary infiltrate, especially invasive fungal disease (IFD) in SOT recipients, is provided.

Could Histoplasma capsulatum Be Related to Healthcare-Associated Infections?

Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) are described in diverse settings. The main etiologic agents of HAI are bacteria (85%) and fungi (13%). Some factors increase the risk for HAI, particularly the use of medical devices; patients with severe cuts, wounds, and burns; stays in the intensive care unit, surgery, and hospital reconstruction works. Several fungal HAI are caused by Candida spp., usually from an endogenous source; however, cross-transmission via the hands of healthcare workers or contaminated devices can occur. Although other medically important fungi, such as Blastomyces dermatitidis, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, and Histoplasma capsulatum, have never been considered nosocomial pathogens, there are some factors that point out the pros and cons for this possibility. Among these fungi, H. capsulatum infection has been linked to different medical devices and surgery implants. The filamentous form of H. capsulatum may be present in hospital settings, as this fungus adapts to different types of climates and has great dispersion ability. Although conventional pathogen identification techniques have never identified H. capsulatum in the hospital environment, molecular biology procedures could be useful in this setting. More research on H. capsulatum as a HAI etiologic agent is needed, since it causes a severe and often fatal disease in immunocompromised patients.

Lung transplantation for cystic fibrosis: results, indications, complications, and controversies

Survival in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) has improved dramatically over the past 30 to 40 years, with mean survival now approximately 40 years. Nonetheless, progressive respiratory insufficiency remains the major cause of mortality in CF patients, and lung transplantation (LT) is eventually required. Timing of listing for LT is critical, because up to 25 to 41% of CF patients have died while awaiting LT. Globally, approximately 16.4% of lung transplants are performed in adults with CF. Survival rates for LT recipients with CF are superior to other indications, yet LT is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality (∼50% at 5-year survival rates). Myriad complications of LT include allograft failure (acute or chronic), opportunistic infections, and complications of chronic immunosuppressive medications (including malignancy). Determining which patients are candidates for LT is difficult, and survival benefit remains uncertain. In this review, we discuss when LT should be considered, criteria for identifying candidates, contraindications to LT, results post-LT, and specific complications that may be associated with LT. Infectious complications that may complicate CF (particularly Burkholderia cepacia spp., opportunistic fungi, and nontuberculous mycobacteria) are discussed.

Invasive aspergillosis in liver transplant recipients: epidemiology, clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes in 116 cases

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) in liver transplant recipients is associated with grave outcomes. We reviewed 116 individual cases reported in the literature from 1985 to 2013. IA was diagnosed after a median of 25 days after transplantation and involved a single organ in 51% of the cases, whereas in the remaining cases, multiple sites were involved. The most common infecting Aspergillus species were Aspergillus fumigatus (73%), Aspergillus flavus (14%), and Aspergillus terreus (8%). Amphotericin B was the drug most frequently used, and it was followed by voriconazole and itraconazole. Combination regimens were used in 51% of the cases. The overall 1-year cumulative survival probability was 35% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 24.6%-49.6%]. Survival was significantly higher for patients reported from the year 2000 and thereafter (P < 0.001), for those diagnosed with IA more than 30 days after transplantation versus those diagnosed earlier (P = 0.019), and for patients without renal failure (P = 0.020). Additionally, the use of voriconazole was significantly associated with a higher probability of survival (P < 0.001). Cox regression analysis showed that subjects with the involvement of multiple sites had a 2.52 times higher risk of a negative outcome (95% CI = 1.08-5.87) than those with the involvement of a single site. Thus, IA causes life-threatening infections in liver transplant recipients. Predictors associated with poor outcomes may help clinicians to optimize the management of this infection.

Comparison of the Use of Administrative Data and an Active System for Surveillance of Invasive Aspergillosis

Background.

Administrative data, such as International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes, are readily available and are an attractive option for surveillance and quality assessment within a single institution or for interinstitutional comparisons. To understand the usefulness of administrative data for the surveillance of invasive aspergillosis, we compared information obtained from a system based on ICD-9 codes with information obtained from an active, prospective surveillance system, which used more extensive case-finding methods (Transplant Associated Infection Surveillance Network).

Methods.

Patients with suspected inyasive aspergillosis were identified by aspergillosis-related ICD-9 codes assigned to hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients and solid organ transplant recipients at a single hospital from April 1, 2001, through January 31, 2005. Suspected cases were classified as proven or probable invasive aspergillosis by medical record review using standard definitions. We calculated the sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of identifying invasive aspergillosis by individual ICD-9 codes and by combinations of codes.

Results.

The sensitivity of code 117.3 was modest (63% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 38%-84%]), as was the PPV (71% [95% CI, 44%-90%]); the sensitivity of code 117.9 was poor (32% [95% CI, 13%-57%]), as was the PPV (15% [95% CI, 6%-31%]). The sensitivity of codes 117.3 and 117.9 combined was 84% (95% CI, 60%-97%); the PPV of the combined codes was 30% (95% CI, 18%-44%). Overall, ICD-9 codes triggered a review of medical records for 64 medical patients, only 16 (25%) of whom had proven or probable invasive aspergillosis.

Conclusions.

A surveillance system that involved multiple ICD-9 codes was sufficiently sensitive to identify most cases of invasive aspergillosis; however, the poor PPV of ICD-9 codes means that this approach is not adequate as the sole tool used to classify cases. Screening ICD-9 codes to trigger a medical record review might be a useful method of surveillance for invasive aspergillosis and quality assessment, although more investigation is needed.

Septic-Metastasizing Aspergillus-Encephalitis Mimicking Massive Cerebral Infarction in a Heart Transplant Recipient: A Case Report

Invasive fungal infection after solid-organ transplantation is known as a severe complication and carries with it a high risk of infection-related mortality. Among patients after heart transplant Aspergillus species most often cause atypical pneumonia. The incidence of invasive aspergillosis after heart transplant has been reported from 3% to 14%. It is the opportunistic pathogen with the highest mortality, ranging from 50% to 80%. Prompt antifungal therapy is crucial, but rapid diagnostic procedures with sufficient sensitivity and specificity are lacking at the moment. We present a rare case of a patient with massive metastasizing invasive aspergillosis within 1 month after heart transplant, undetected before death.