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[Herpes simplex virus pneumonia following transplantation]
J C Georges1, P Mahassen, M F Mattei
1Laboratoire de microbiologie, CHU Nancy-Brabois.
Agressologie: Revue Internationale De Physio-Biologie Et De Pharmacologie Appliquees Aux Effets De L'Agression
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes severe lung infections in transplant patients. Early diagnosis and Acyclovir treatment are crucial for survival, with prophylaxis recommended for carriers.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Transplantation Medicine
- Virology
Context:
- Cardiothoracic transplant recipients are susceptible to severe pulmonary infections.
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 are identified as significant pathogens.
- Retrospective analysis of 145 patients at CHU Nancy.
Purpose:
- To identify the etiological agent of pulmonary infections in transplant patients.
- To evaluate the efficacy of Acyclovir treatment for HSV-related lung infections.
- To assess the need for Acyclovir prophylaxis in HSV-seropositive transplant candidates.
Summary:
- Bronchoalveolar lavage and bronchial brushing identified HSV as the cause of lung infections.
- Immunofluorescence, immunoperoxidase, and viral cultures enabled rapid laboratory diagnosis.
- HSV-1 caused 8 herpetic lung infections; 6 patients successfully treated with Acyclovir, 2 fatal cases occurred when treatment was not possible.
Impact:
- Highlights the critical role of timely diagnosis and antiviral therapy in improving outcomes for transplant patients with HSV lung infections.
- Suggests that pre-transplant screening for HSV and subsequent Acyclovir prophylaxis are essential for preventing recurrence and improving survival rates in immunosuppressed patients.