Incidentally detected isolated Aspergillus fumigates infection of the renal allograft

Abstract

Fungal infection represents 5% of the infections of post renal transplant recipients. The frequency of invasive Aspergillus ranges from 0.5% to 2.2% with a mortality rate of 88%. In renal transplantation, Aspergillus infection usually affects primarily the lungs with occasional dissemination and the central nervous system. Involvement of a renal allograft in the isolated form is rare. A-35-year-old male post-renal transplant patient presented in our institute for routine follow up examination. Ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) were conducted in our radiology department, suggestive of abscess formation in mid pole of transplanted kidney. The patient did not have any clinical symptoms. His serum creatinine level was also within normal limit. Diagnosis of Aspergillus fumigates was made by aspiration of pus. Treatment started according to culture and sensitivity report. Ultimately graft nephrectomy was performed to control infection. Aspergillus infection of a renal allograft remains a key issue for nephrologists and infection specialists. For diagnosis of fungal infection, a high index of suspicious is necessary. In the present case, the infected allograft nephrectomy and the elimination of immune-compromised state and the prompt administration of antifungal therapy, made recovery possible. However, early diagnosis remains difficult.

Keywords: Aspergillus fumigatus, Fungal infection, Kidney transplant, Aspergillosis