Aspergillus infections in transplant recipients

Clin Microbiol Rev. 2005 Jan;18(1):44-69. doi: 10.1128/CMR.18.1.44-69.2005.

Abstract

Aspergillus infections are occurring with an increasing frequency in transplant recipients. Notable changes in the epidemiologic characteristics of this infection have occurred; these include a change in risk factors and later onset of infection. Management of invasive aspergillosis continues to be challenging, and the mortality rate, despite the use of newer antifungal agents, remains unacceptably high. Performing molecular studies to discern new targets for antifungal activity, identifying signaling pathways that may be amenable to immunologic interventions, assessing combination regimens of antifungal agents or combining antifungal agents with modulation of the host defense mechanisms, and devising diagnostic assays that can rapidly and reliably diagnose infections represent areas for future investigations that may lead to further improvement in outcomes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Aspergillosis* / diagnosis
  • Aspergillosis* / drug therapy
  • Aspergillosis* / epidemiology
  • Aspergillosis* / prevention & control
  • Aspergillus / classification
  • Aspergillus / drug effects
  • Aspergillus / genetics
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Opportunistic Infections / drug therapy
  • Opportunistic Infections / epidemiology
  • Opportunistic Infections / microbiology
  • Organ Transplantation / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents