Coccidioidomycosis in healthy persons evaluated for liver or kidney donation

Transpl Infect Dis. 2007 Mar;9(1):78-82. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-3062.2006.00179.x.

Abstract

Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides species endemic to the southwestern United States, where it poses unique challenges for transplant recipients. Donor-derived coccidioidomycosis has been documented, but its risk of transmission is not known. We prospectively screened 568 healthy persons requesting evaluation for possible liver or kidney donation. Twelve (2.1%) of the 568 donor candidates were seropositive (11 initially and 1 with seroconversion and symptomatic illness within 1 week after negative screening). Three of these 12 patients proceeded to kidney donation, and a fourth patient proceeded to liver donation. None of the 4 transplant recipients received special coccidioidal prophylaxis, although all were administered fluconazole according to standard antifungal prophylaxis protocols. At follow-up (7-54 months), no coccidioidomycosis was identified in any recipient. The prevalence of coccidioidal antibodies was low among potential organ donor candidates, but the risk of donor-derived coccidioidomycosis remains unknown and further study is warranted.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Fungal / blood
  • Coccidioides / immunology*
  • Coccidioidomycosis / blood
  • Coccidioidomycosis / epidemiology*
  • Coccidioidomycosis / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Liver Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Living Donors*
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Organ Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Fungal