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Infections in Heart and Lung Transplant Recipients
Heather E Clauss1, Robert L Bettiker1, Rafik Samuel1
1Section of Infectious Diseases, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Clinical Microbiology Newsletter
|April 15, 2020
Summary
Patients who receive heart or lung transplants face a high risk of diverse infections due to immunosuppression. This review details common bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections in thoracic organ transplant recipients.
Area of Science:
- Transplant Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Thoracic organ transplant recipients (heart/lung) are susceptible to various infections.
- Immunosuppression is a primary risk factor for post-transplant infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the spectrum of infections in heart and lung transplant recipients.
- To highlight common and opportunistic pathogens affecting these patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of infections in thoracic organ transplant patients.
- Categorization of infections by causative agent (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites).
Main Results:
- Lung transplant recipients are prone to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
- Heart transplant recipients face similar risks plus parasitic infections like toxoplasmosis.
Conclusions:
- Thoracic organ transplantation necessitates vigilant monitoring for a broad range of infections.
- Understanding infection risks is crucial for managing post-transplant care.
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