Pneumonia caused by herpesviruses in recipients of hematopoietic cell transplants

Abstract

Viral pulmonary infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in recipients of hematopoietic cell transplantation. Members of the herpesviruses-cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, varicella zoster virus, Epstein-Barr virus, as well as some of the more recently described herpesviruses such as HHV-6 and HHV-8-are frequently implicated in causing pulmonary infection in this population. Advances in diagnostic techniques and the use of preventive or preemptive therapies have altered the epidemiology of infections caused by some of the herpesviruses; however, these viruses continue to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in hematopoietic cell transplantation. This article provides an overview of pulmonary herpesvirus infections that occur after hematopoietic cell transplantation, with an emphasis on new developments in epidemiology, diagnosis, prophylaxis, and treatment.