Related Experiment Videos
Infections in solid organ transplant recipients
1Infectious Disease Section, VA Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Abstract:
Studies published within the past year have highlighted the potential morbidity associated with polyomaviruses and novel herpesviruses (e.g. human herpesvirus-6, 7 and -8). Although antiviral therapy has not been shown to be effective for polyomaviruses, attempts at management of human herpesvirus-6 and -8 infections with antiviral agents appear anecdotally promising. Bacterial infections remain the most frequently occurring infections in transplant recipients, and the challenges that face the transplant care providers pertain to a striking rise in antimicrobial resistance among these pathogens. Effective prophylaxis and management of invasive mould infections continue to be the focus of clinical studies, but an optimal approach remains elusive.
Insights
Recent studies show potential harm from polyomaviruses and herpesviruses in transplant patients. Bacterial and fungal infections pose significant challenges due to rising antimicrobial resistance and elusive optimal management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Transplantation Medicine
- Virology
Background:
- Recent studies highlight morbidity associated with polyomaviruses and novel herpesviruses (HHV-6, -7, -8).
- Bacterial infections are common in transplant recipients, with increasing antimicrobial resistance.
- Optimal prophylaxis and management of invasive fungal infections remain challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on viral, bacterial, and fungal infections in transplant recipients.
- To discuss the challenges in managing these infections, including antiviral efficacy and antimicrobial resistance.
- To highlight the ongoing search for optimal treatment and prophylaxis strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies published within the past year.
- Analysis of current trends in transplant-associated infections.
- Discussion of therapeutic approaches and their limitations.
Main Results:
- Antiviral therapy shows limited efficacy for polyomaviruses but anecdotal promise for HHV-6 and -8.
- Antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern for bacterial infections in transplant recipients.
- Effective strategies for invasive mould infections are still under investigation.
Conclusions:
- Management of viral infections in transplant patients requires further research into effective antiviral agents.
- Addressing rising antimicrobial resistance is critical for controlling bacterial infections.
- Optimal approaches for invasive mould infections in transplant recipients are yet to be determined.