Viral Load Pre-emptive Monitoring in the Post-Transplant Immunocompromised Population

Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, BK virus, and adenovirus cause significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals, especially those undergoing solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Quantitative viral load testing is essential to the monitoring and treatment of disease associated with these viruses in the post-transplant period. In this review, the current guidelines for viral load monitoring are described, highlighting the differences in testing recommendations by virus and transplant type. The state of commercially available, Food and Drug Administration-cleared quantitative viral load assays are also reviewed and the ongoing challenges associated with quantitative viral load testing in the clinical laboratory are described.