Fungal and mycobacterial infections after Campath (alemtuzumab) induction for renal transplantation

OBJECTIVES: 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. CONCLUSION: Although fungal and mycobacterial infections caused significant mortality, the overall incidence remains low and comparable to that associated with other induction agents.