Virus infections complicating bone marrow transplantation

Virus infections account for considerable morbidity in bone marrow transplant (BMT) recipients. In all ages, members of the herpes virus group are the predominant pathogens. Of these, cytomegalovirus is pre-eminent in being the most frequent cause of death due to infection associated with the transplant procedure. Considerable effort is being invested in the development of preventative and therapeutic strategies to control this virus. Other potentially life-threatening virus infections may be acquired on the transplant unit as a result of cross-infection and can be caused by enteroviruses, rotaviruses and adenoviruses. Prevention of these infections is best achieved by implementation of strict infection-control measures.