Parasitic infections in solid organ transplant

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Transplantation Medicine
• Immunocompromised Hosts

Background:

• Parasitic infections pose a significant threat to solid organ transplant recipients.
• Transmission routes include donor-derived infection, reactivation, and environmental exposure.
• Nonspecific presentations often delay diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review clinically important parasitic pathogens in transplant recipients.
• To outline diagnostic approaches and their limitations in immunocompromised hosts.
• To emphasize the importance of prevention and surveillance strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of parasitic infections in solid organ transplant recipients.
• Discussion of diagnostic modalities including microscopy, serology, and molecular testing.
• Analysis of prevention strategies such as screening and prophylaxis.

Main Results:

• Key pathogens identified include Toxoplasma gondii, Plasmodium spp., Babesia spp., Trypanosoma cruzi, Strongyloides stercoralis, Schistosoma spp., free-living amoebae, and intestinal apicomplexans.
• Diagnostic challenges exist due to limitations in immunocompromised hosts.
• Delayed diagnosis is associated with severe disseminated disease and high mortality.

Conclusions:

• A systematic, risk-based approach integrating epidemiology, diagnostics, and prevention is essential.
• Targeted screening, prophylaxis, and vigilant post-transplant surveillance are critical.
• Improving early recognition and management of parasitic infections can enhance outcomes in this vulnerable population.