Invasive fungal infections following liver transplantation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The review outlines the microbiology, presentation, prophylactic strategies, resistance patterns, and consequences of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) recipients.

RECENT FINDINGS

There has been an increase in the proportion of non-albicans Candida causing IFIs. The biomarkers galactomannan and β-D-glucan should not be routinely used in the diagnosis of IFIs in OLT recipients due to their limited accuracy. Echinocandins have emerged as noninferior to fluconazole and other prophylactic regimens. Their broad spectrum of activity and side-effect profile are appealing; however, the development of echinocandin resistance, especially in Candida glabrata has been highlighted as one of their limitations.

SUMMARY

A significant decline in IFIs but an increase in IFIs caused by non-albicans Candida species has been observed in the model for end-stage liver disease era. Diagnostic tools remain limited. Studies continue to support antifungal prophylaxis individualized to recipient risk with echinocandins now established as an additional option for antifungal prophylaxis. The appropriate duration of antifungal prophylaxis remains ill-defined with some studies advocating targeted therapy based on clinical status and others more prolonged therapy beyond the historically common 4 weeks. However, prolonged therapy with echinocandins can result in resistance.