Opportunistic Infections Post-Lung Transplantation: Viral, Fungal, and Mycobacterial

Diagnosis and Treatment of Fungal Infections in Lung Transplant Recipients

“…LTR allografts will also have diminished elimination of microorganisms through impairment in mucociliary clearance and cough reflex, and respiratory tract structural abnormalities secondary to chronic respiratory disorders predispose LTR to microorganism colonization [ 5 , 6 ]. Receipt of immunosuppression and a reduction of blood flow to the site of infection through airway ischemia also reduce the host immune system’s ability to defend against infections [ 5 , 7 ]. Diagnosis of fungal infections following lung transplantation poses unique challenges as it can be hard to distinguish between colonization and active infection [ 6 ].…”

“…The multifactorial nature behind the increased risk of fungal infections in LTR results in the enlistment of various strategies to prevent and manage active fungal infections. Antifungal prophylaxis, either universal or pre-emptive, combined with routine post-transplant surveillance, has been implemented as a strategy to mitigate the risk of fungal infections [ 7 , 8 ]. Additionally, once infected, the degree of immunosuppression may be lowered in combination with the administration of antifungal agents.…”