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Parainfluenza virus infection in adult bone marrow transplant recipients

E Whimbey1, S E Vartivarian, R E Champlin

  • 1Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030.

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|September 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Parainfluenza virus type 3 caused severe pneumonia in 50% of adult bone marrow transplant recipients. This highlights the risk of community respiratory viruses in immunocompromised patients.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology
  • Transplantation

Background:

  • Bone marrow transplant recipients are highly susceptible to infections.
  • Community respiratory viruses can cause severe illness in immunocompromised individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical course of parainfluenza virus infection in adult bone marrow transplant recipients.
  • To determine the impact of parainfluenza virus on this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 265 adult bone marrow transplant recipients.
  • Isolation and identification of parainfluenza virus from infected patients.
  • Analysis of clinical presentation, disease severity, and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Parainfluenza virus infection occurred in 3% (8 of 265) of recipients.
  • Parainfluenza virus type 3 was identified in all cases.
  • Infections ranged from mild upper respiratory illness to severe lower respiratory disease.
  • Severe disease was associated with a 50% mortality rate.

Conclusions:

  • Parainfluenza virus is a significant pathogen in adult bone marrow transplant recipients.
  • Immunocompromised hosts are at high risk for severe outcomes from community respiratory viruses.
  • Early recognition and management are crucial for improving outcomes.

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