2018 Volume 53 Issue 4-5 Pages 251-255
Lung transplantation is an effective treatment modality for respiratory failure. Chronic lung infections, including infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and Aspergillus, are difficult to control, and uncontrolled infections are relative contraindications for lung transplantation. However, few reports have documented the incidence and outcome of these infections in lung transplant recipients.
To quantify the incidence and outcomes of colonization and disease caused by NTM and aspergillosis in recipients before and after lung transplantation, we review our cohort study in Japan, consisting of 240 consecutive cadaveric lung transplant recipients between 2000 and 2014 and compare the data to that of documented reports.
Isolation of NTM or Aspergillus species from lung transplant recipients is uncommon. Adequate pre-transplant control and post-transplant management of NTM and Aspergillus infections allows for safe lung transplantation.
