Updates on Histoplasmosis in Solid Organ Transplantation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Histoplasmosis remains a challenging infection in solid organ transplantation. This review provides a topic update with emphasis on the changing epidemiology, along with new diagnostic and treatment innovations.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent years have observed expanding geographic distribution due to climate change, environmental disruption, and host factors. Early clinical experience also suggests a relationship between COVID-19 infection and histoplasmosis, particularly among immunocompromised individuals. Advances in diagnostic methods, such as newer enzyme immunoassays and molecular techniques, have broadened the capability for expedient and highly specific pathogen identification. Novel drug innovations, including the development of new formulations of existing antifungal agents, extended-spectrum azoles and new antifungal drug classes have expanded therapeutic options.

SUMMARY

Advances in organ transplantation have largely outpaced those for histoplasmosis. However, these emerging insights enhance our understanding of this pathogen and management of clinical infection, particularly for transplant recipients with a higher incidence and severity of disease.