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TBase - an Integrated Electronic Health Record and Research Database for Kidney Transplant Recipients
Published on: April 13, 2021
Early Onset Mycoplasma spp. Infection After Kidney Transplantation: A Systematic Review
Carlo Galdino Riva1, Roberto Cacciola2, Giulia Cusumano1
1General Surgery and Kidney Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
Background:
In recent years, there has been a progressive increase in the number of Mycoplasma spp. infections (MIs) reported among kidney transplant (KT) recipients. Although in these patients MIs have been associated with life-threatening complications and graft failure, specific epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnostic work-up, and treatment strategies remain undefined.
Methods:
We performed a systematic review (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane) of MIs after kidney transplantation (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024520942).
Results:
Our work summarizes 13 case reports, 7 retrospective case series, and 1 retrospective uncontrolled cohort study, published between 1970 and 2023, collectively reporting 30 episodes of MIs. Due to the scarcity of information, incidence, prevalence, and predisposing factors could not be explored. Time interval between kidney transplantation and MIs ranged between 3 and 120 days. More often, the surgical site (n = 18) or the urinary tract (n = 6) was involved, with most infections sustained by Mycoplasma hominis (n = 28). Clinical features included fever (n = 18), abdominal pain (n = 8), leukocytosis (n = 8), and elevated CRP levels (n = 6). The definitive diagnosis was obtained using microbial cultures (n = 16) or PCR method (n = 12), and the time required for identification varied from 3 to 90 days. Preferred antibiotics were tetracyclines (n = 19) and quinolones (n = 9). Overall, MIs led to 20 surgical interventions, 6 graft losses, and 2 deaths.
Conclusion:
Future research projects should consider the epidemiology of Mycoplasma spp. infection in solid organ transplant recipients.
Insights
Mycoplasma infections (MIs) are increasingly seen in kidney transplant (KT) recipients, leading to serious complications. This review highlights their epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment, emphasizing the need for further research in solid organ transplant patients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Transplantation Immunology
Background:
- Mycoplasma spp. infections (MIs) are rising in kidney transplant (KT) recipients.
- These infections pose risks of severe complications and graft failure.
- Limited data exists on the specific epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of MIs in KT patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the existing literature on Mycoplasma spp. infections following kidney transplantation.
- To consolidate information on the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies for MIs in KT recipients.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases.
- Data from case reports, case series, and cohort studies published between 1970 and 2023 were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The review analyzed 30 episodes of MIs across various study types.
- Infections primarily affected the surgical site (n=18) or urinary tract (n=6), often caused by Mycoplasma hominis (n=28).
- Common symptoms included fever, abdominal pain, leukocytosis, and elevated CRP. Treatment involved tetracyclines or quinolones, but outcomes included graft loss (n=6) and deaths (n=2).
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma spp. infections represent a significant concern in kidney transplant recipients.
- The findings underscore the need for increased awareness and further research into MIs within the broader context of solid organ transplantation.
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