Antifungal prophylaxis in solid organ transplant recipients

Solid organ transplantation is life saving for thousands of patients worldwide with end-stage organ failure, but post-transplantation invasive fungal infections (IFIs) remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. To improve patient outcomes, investigators have explored various strategies of prevention, including the use of antifungal prophylaxis with both systemic and topical nonabsorbable agents. Often, the strategy is to identify those patients at highest risk for IFIs who would be expected to derive the most benefit from antifungal prophylaxis. Currently, data support the use of antifungal prophylaxis in liver, lung, small bowel and pancreas transplant recipients. By understanding the epidemiology of post-transplant IFIs and antifungal adverse effects, clinicians may target antifungal prophylaxis more optimally. Herein, we review antifungal prophylaxis with systemic agents among solid organ transplant recipients.