Mucormycosis Infection in Lung Transplant Patients: Experience in Andalusia, Spain

Introduction. Mucorales infections in the airways of lung transplant (LT) patients are rare but have a rising incidence in transplanted lungs. Objective. We present our experience with LT in immediate postoperative infections due to mucormycosis. Methods. Review of 767 LT performed in Andalusia between 2000 and 2023 identifying Mucorales through microbiological results and histological findings. Results. The incidence of Mucorales was less than 1% of all LTs performed at our institution but resulted in 100% mortality. In our series, all cases underwent LT for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. They presented with pulmonary infection that progressed to disseminated infection. Major associated risk factors included prior corticosteroid treatment, malnutrition, solid organ transplantation, single lung transplantation, immunosuppression, and concomitant Aspergillus infection. Conclusions. Mucormycosis infection in grafts after lung transplantation is a lethal complication poorly documented in the literature. Vigilance for Mucorales in these patients is crucial for early diagnosis.