Role of bacterial infections in allograft rejection

Advances in immunosuppressive strategies have been essential for organ transplantation becoming an established therapy for the treatment of end-stage organ failure. A global state of immunosuppression imparted by current regimens leaves the transplant recipient at a significantly increased risk for a multitude of infections. As such, recognition, prevention and treatment of infection have become primary concerns. Furthermore, as our understanding of the interaction between the innate and adaptive immune system expands, the potential for enhanced alloreactivity in the face of infection has become a topic of increasing interest. Recent studies have shown a correlation between viral infections and graft rejection. However, other categories of infection, including bacterial infections, have the potential to elicit similar immune responses. This review seeks to explore the clinical and scientific literature examining the role of bacterial infections in transplant rejection.