Kidney Res Clin Pract.  2018 Dec;37(4):323-337. 10.23876/j.krcp.18.0063.

Common viral infections in kidney transplant recipients

• Vanichanan J
• Udomkarnjananun S
• Avihingsanon Y
• Jutivorakool K

• KMID: 2447177
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.23876/j.krcp.18.0063

Abstract

Infectious complications have been considered as a major cause of morbidity and mortality after kidney transplantation, especially in the Asian population. Therefore, prevention, early detection, and prompt treatment of such infections are crucial in kidney transplant recipients. Among all infectious complications, viruses are considered to be the most common agents because of their abundance, infectivity, and latency ability. Herpes simplex virus, varicella zoster virus, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B virus, BK polyomavirus, and adenovirus are well-known etiologic agents of viral infections in kidney transplant patients worldwide because of their wide range of distribution. As DNA viruses, they are able to reactivate after affected patients receive immunosuppressive agents. These DNA viruses can cause systemic diseases or allograft dysfunction, especially in the first six months after transplantation. Pretransplant evaluation and immunization as well as appropriate prophylaxis and preemptive approaches after transplant have been established in the guidelines and are used effectively to reduce the incidence of these viral infections. This review will describe the etiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of viral infections that commonly affect kidney transplant recipients.

Keyword

Asia; Hepatitis; Immunosuppression; Kidney transplantation; Virus diseases

MeSH Terms

Adenoviridae
Allografts
Asia
Asian Continental Ancestry Group
BK Virus
Cytomegalovirus
Diagnosis
DNA Viruses
Hepatitis
Hepatitis B virus
Herpesvirus 3, Human
Humans
Immunization
Immunosuppression
Immunosuppressive Agents
Incidence
Kidney Transplantation
Kidney*
Mortality
Simplexvirus
Transplant Recipients*
Virus Diseases
Immunosuppressive Agents