Cryptococcosis in solid organ transplant recipients: current state of the science.

Abstract

Cryptococcosis remains a significant opportunistic infection in solid organ transplant recipients. Disease presentation and outcomes may be affected by, among other factors, the use of calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressive agents. It is being increasingly recognized that rapid reversal of immunosuppression in transplant recipients treated for cryptococcosis incurs the risk of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome, which resembles worsening disease or relapse. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding cryptococcosis in transplant recipients and highlights areas where future investigations are needed to further optimize outcomes for these patients.