Chiara Terzo

Dr. Chiara Terzo

P.O. “G. Di Maria” Avola - ASP di Siracusa, Siracusa, Sicilia, Italy
orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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18 June 2025 in Medicina
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Guido GembilloGuido Gembillo
Guido Gembillo
Chiara TerzoChiara Terzo
Chiara Terzo
AIAnnamaria Ierardi
Annamaria Ierardi
LSLuca Soraci
Luca Soraci
Emmanuele Venanzi RulloEmmanuele Venanzi Rullo
Emmanuele Venanzi Rullo
Domenico SantoroDomenico Santoro
Domenico Santoro
Cryptococcosis, an opportunistic fungal infection predominantly caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, is the third most common invasive fungal disease in solid organ transplant recipients. While well-characterized in adult kidney transplant (KT) patients, pediatric data remain sparse. This article compares clinical presentation, immune response, renal involvement, and management strategies of cryptococcosis between adult and pediatric KT recipients. In adults, the disease typically presents as cryptococcal meningitis or pulmonary infection, often complicated by delayed diagnosis and high mortality. In contrast, children frequently exhibit non-specific respiratory symptoms or disseminated disease, reflecting immune immaturity and increased susceptibility to hematogenous spread. Key immunopathological differences include impaired Th1 type responses, macrophage dysfunction, and variable complement activity across age groups. Management involves similar antifungal regimens such as liposomal amphotericin B, flucytosine, and fluconazole, but requires weight-based dosing and careful toxicity monitoring in pediatric patients. Early diagnosis through serum cryptococcal antigen screening, appropriate adjustment of immunosuppressive therapy, and coordinated multidisciplinary care are essential. The findings underscore the need for pediatric specific research and clinical vigilance, emphasizing tailored antifungal dosing and individualized immune management to improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.