Coccidioidomycosis in solid organ transplantation

Abstract

Coccidioidomycosis is an endemic fungal infection of the southwestern United States. Normally a self-limited infection in healthy hosts, coccidioidomycosis can become a serious complication in patients who have had solid organ transplantation. Among patients whose solid organ transplantation was complicated by coccidioidomycosis, the infection has a variety of clinical presentations. Disseminated disease is common and has substantial morbidity. Patients at risk for coccidioidal infection should be identified so that antifungal prophylactic therapy can be initiated. Treatment options include amphotericin B or azoles. Secondary prophylaxis is recommended because relapse is frequent. © 2001 Infectious Diseases Society of America.