Increased Risk of Nocardia Infection with Atovaquone Prophylaxis in Cardiac Transplant Patients: A Critical Analysis

Purpose: Prophylactic measures are essential to minimize the risk of opportunistic infections in transplant recipients. Traditionally, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim) has been the preferred prophylactic agent for pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP). However, use comes with risk of hyperkalemia and caution in patients with kidney impairment or sulfa allergy. Use of alternative agents, such as atovaquone and dapsone, may not offer as broad of protection against other infections. Nocardia infections are a rare but serious complication in heart transplant recipients.
Source: The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation - Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: Source Type: research