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Cutaneous Manifestations of Infections in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

  • Transplant and Oncology (M Ison, N Theodoropoulos and S Pergam, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Post-transplant infections present a formidable challenge to the physician due to their varied presentation. Many of these infections begin by inoculation following skin compromise or disseminate to the skin hematogenously, making cutaneous manifestations of infection an important diagnostic clue in the immunocompromised. Quality research in this field is lacking, and this articles seeks to review the literature and present a guide to physicians in order for them to suspect certain infections by their cutaneous presentation.

Recent Findings

The cutaneous presentation of opportunistic infections in transplant patients is extremely varied. However, as more case reports are published, certain patterns specific to individual organisms are emerging. In addition, early recognition is improving outcomes and systemic antibiotic therapy success.

Summary

Early and correct recognition of disseminated infection in the immunocompromised host can be aided by close attention to cutaneous findings. This allows early and correct antibiotic therapy and improves outcomes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, 370 W 9th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43201, USA

    Cory J. Pettit

  2. University of Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA

    Katherine Mazurek

  3. Division of Dermatology, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA

    Benjamin Kaffenberger

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  1. Cory J. Pettit
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Correspondence to Cory J. Pettit.

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Cory J Pettit, Katherine Mazurek, and Benjamin Kaffenberger declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Pettit, C.J., Mazurek, K. & Kaffenberger, B. Cutaneous Manifestations of Infections in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients. Curr Infect Dis Rep 20, 16 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11908-018-0621-1

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