What is the purpose of prescribing posaconazole after kidney transplantation?

Posaconazole is primarily prescribed after kidney transplantation as a prophylactic measure to prevent Aspergillus infections. Transplant recipients are particularly vulnerable to such infections due to the immunosuppressive therapy they undergo to prevent organ rejection. These drugs inherently weaken the immune system, making patients more susceptible to opportunistic pathogens, including various fungi like Aspergillus species.

Aspergillus can lead to severe pulmonary infections and other systemic issues, especially in immunocompromised individuals. By prescribing posaconazole, which is effective against Aspergillus and other mold infections, healthcare providers aim to reduce the risk of these serious complications, thereby enhancing patient safety and improving outcomes post-transplant. This prophylactic use is based on extensive clinical evidence supporting posaconazole's efficacy in preventing fungal infections in high-risk populations.