Severe Bacterial Infections due to Multidrug-Resistant Organisms in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Abstract

Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTr) are at increased risk of both becoming colonized and infected with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) owing to diverse host, environment and exposure factors. Despite significant advances in surgical techniques, management of immunosuppression, and the application of antimicrobial prophylaxis and infection control practices, the burden of these infections remains high and is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and adverse graft outcomes. The present review aims to highlight the current state of epidemiology, risk factors, antibiotic and nonantibiotic therapeutics, and infection control and antibiotic stewardship strategies in the management of severe bacterial infections caused by MDROs in SOTr.

Keywords: Antibiotic stewardship; Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales; Extended spectrum β-lactamase producing Enterobacterales; Infection control; Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Multidrug-resistant bacteria; Solid organ transplantation; Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci.