DERMATOLOGICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF INFECTIOUS-DISEASES IN CARDIAC TRANSPLANT PATIENTS

Bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi may cause skin infections in up to one third of immunocompromised patients, including transplant patients. Usually, skin infections result from the dissemination of organisms from another site. Occasionally, fungal pathogens or bacterial infections related to the use of catheters may cause primary infections of the skin. The use of skin biopsy is controversial but may be especially helpful in diagnosing disseminated fungal infections. The presence of skin lesions in a transplant patient may be a clue to a possible primary infection elsewhere.