Fungal and mycobacterial infections after Campath (alemtuzumab) induction for renal transplantation.
OBJECTIVE
To report our experience with fungal and mycobacterial (tuberculosis) infection following induction with Campath (alemtuzumab).


METHODS
We reviewed the database of 477 renal transplant patients induced with alemtuzumab. All those who had a fungal or mycobacterial infection were found, and the details of these complications reviewed.


RESULTS
Five patients were found to have fungal (3) or tuberculous (2) infection. The incidence of fungal infection was 0.6% and that of tuberculous infection was 0.4%. Mortality rates for these 2 types of infection were 50% and 100%, respectively. During the same period, there was an overall mortality of 1.7% (n=5). No surviving patient lost graft function.


CONCLUSIONS
Although fungal and mycobacterial infections caused significant mortality, the overall incidence remains low and comparable to that associated with other induction agents.
Walsh
R
R
Texas Transplant Institute, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA.
Ortiz
J
J
Foster
P
P
Palma-Vargas
J
J
Rosenblatt
S
S
Wright
F
F
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000074323:Alemtuzumab; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000912:Antibodies, Neoplasm / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D015994:Incidence; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis; D009181:Mycoses / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000912:Antibodies, Neoplasm; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D000074323:Alemtuzumab