Fungal Infections in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients

Invasive fungal infections occurred in 3.7% of transplant recipients; incidence and mortality were significantly higher with allogeneic than with autologous transplants.

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are a growing cause of morbidity and mortality among hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. However, the incidence of IFIs and the differences in risk for such infections between autologous and allogeneic transplant recipients have received little attention. Now, in a retrospective study involving 11 transplant centers in Italy, researchers have analyzed proven and probable IFIs in adult HSCT recipients.

From 1999 through 2003, 121 episodes of IFI (proven or probable) were documented among the 3224 patients who underwent HSCT. Molds (most often Aspergillus spp.) accounted for 91 of these episodes, and yeasts (Candida spp.) for 30. Allogeneic transplant recipients had higher incidences of IFIs …

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)