The tell-tale hearts: Donor-derived invasive fungal infections among orthotopic heart transplant recipients

Abstract

Donor-derived invasive fungal infections among solid organ transplant recipients are rare but sometimes devastating events associated with notable morbidity and mortality. Here we describe two donor-derived fungal infections – one Candida parapsilosis complex infection and one Aspergillus fumigatus infection – that occurred among heart transplant recipients at a quaternary care center. Both recipients survived their infections, though with substantial morbidity despite aggressive surgical intervention and antifungal therapy.

Keywords

• Donor-derived fungal infection
• Orthotopic heart transplantation
• Candida parapsilosis complex
• Aspergillus fumigatus
• Fungal endocarditis