Common infections in kidney transplant recipients

Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2012 Dec;7(12):2058-70. doi: 10.2215/CJN.04410512. Epub 2012 Sep 13.

Abstract

Infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in kidney transplant recipients. To some extent, these may be preventable. Careful pretransplant screening, immunization, and post-transplant prophylactic antimicrobials may all reduce the risk for post-transplant infection. However, because transplant recipients may not manifest typical signs and symptoms of infection, diagnoses may be confounded. Furthermore, treatment regimens may be complicated by drug interactions and the need to maintain immunosuppression to avoid allograft rejection. This article reviews common post-transplant infections, including prophylactic, diagnostic, and treatment strategies, providing guidance regarding care of kidney transplant patients with infection.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Donor Selection
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppression Therapy / adverse effects*
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Mycoses / diagnosis
  • Mycoses / drug therapy
  • Urinary Tract Infections / diagnosis
  • Urinary Tract Infections / drug therapy
  • Urinary Tract Infections / microbiology
  • Virus Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Virus Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Virus Diseases / prevention & control