Fatal Invasive Mold Infections after Transplantation of Organs Recovered from Drowned Donors, United States, 2011-2021

Emerg Infect Dis. 2023 Jul;29(7):1455-1458. doi: 10.3201/eid2907.230524. Epub 2023 Jun 6.

Abstract

Drowned organ donors can be exposed to environmental molds through the aspiration of water; transplantation of exposed organs can cause invasive mold infections in recipients. We describe 4 rapidly fatal cases of potentially donor-derived invasive mold infections in the United States, highlighting the importance of maintaining clinical suspicion for these infections in transplant recipients.

Keywords: Scedosporium; United States; donor-derived infection; drowning; fungi; invasive mold infection; mold; mucormycosis; solid organ transplantation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Fungi*
  • Humans
  • Organ Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Tissue Donors
  • Transplant Recipients
  • United States / epidemiology