Fungal infections following liver transplantation

With increasing morbidity and mortality from chronic liver disease and acute liver failure, the need for liver transplantation is on the rise. Most of these patients are extremely vulnerable to infections as they are immune-compromised and have other chronic co-morbid conditions. Despite the recent advances in practice and improvement in diagnostic surveillance and treatment modalities, a major portion of these patients continue to be affected by post-transplant infections. Of these, fungal infections are particularly notorious given their vague and insidious onset and are very challenging to diagnose. This mini-review aims to discuss the incidence of fungal infections following liver transplantation, the different fungi involved, the risk factors, which predispose these patients to such infections, associated diagnostic challenges, and the role of prophylaxis. The population at risk is increasingly old and frail, suffering from various other co-morbid conditions, and needs special attention. To improve care and to decrease the burden of such infections, we need to identify the at-risk population with more robust clinical and diagnostic parameters. A more robust global consensus and stringent guidelines are needed to fight against resistant microbes and maintain the longevity of current antimicrobial therapies.