Early diagnosis of fungal infections in lung transplant recipients, colonization versus invasive disease?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis remains challenging in solid organ transplants in general, and in lung transplant recipients, in particular, because of colonization. Lung transplant recipients may be over treated with antifungal drugs because of the lack of appropriate diagnostic tools.

RECENT FINDINGS: A review of the new developments of diagnostic tools and whether this help distinguishing colonization from invasive disease is presented.

SUMMARY: Efforts are being made to develop new tools that will allow us to identify which patients will develop IPA, and those who will be able to control the disease.