Viral infections in lung transplant recipients

Semin Respir Crit Care Med. 2010 Apr;31(2):243-54. doi: 10.1055/s-0030-1249120. Epub 2010 Mar 30.

Abstract

Viral infections, including beta-herpes viruses and community respiratory viruses, are frequent pathogens in lung transplant recipients. These pathogens have become increasingly recognized as having a significant role in long-term outcomes of lung transplantation, which has been limited by the frequent development of infections, and chronic allograft dysfunction. Community respiratory viruses, such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus have been associated with both acute rejection and chronic allograft dysfunction, particularly if early treatment was not administered. beta-herpes viruses, particularly cytomegalovirus (CMV), have long been associated with increased mortality in lung transplant recipients, although the advent of effective antiviral strategies has led to improved morbidity and mortality. Because these pathogens have been associated with altered immune responses against the allograft, a better understanding of immunopathogenesis of viral infections may lead to a broader approach to limit the morbidity from these pathogens.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Graft Rejection / virology
  • Humans
  • Lung Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Lung Transplantation / immunology
  • Opportunistic Infections / etiology
  • Opportunistic Infections / virology
  • Prognosis
  • Survival Analysis
  • Virus Diseases / etiology*
  • Virus Diseases / immunology

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents