Endemic Fungal Infections in Solid Organ Transplantation

Abstract

The endemic mycoses, histoplasmosis, blastomycosis and coccidioidomycosis, are fungal diseases prevalent in specific geographic regions. The environment is the main source for exposure to these fungi, with the respiratory tract serving as the primary portal of entry into the human body. Although the epidemiologic and clinical features of each infection are unique, some characteristics are shared. Symptomatic disease occurs in both the immunocompetent and immunocompromised host with the severity of infection correlating with underlying immune status.