1st August 2023

Infections in Organ Transplant Patients

In order to reduce the risk of graft rejection, patients who receive organ transplants are generally prescribed strong immunosuppressive drugs. This leads to immunocompromise and means special consideration should be given to the risk of opportunistic infections in organ transplant patients. This is most commonly considered in the context of renal transplant patients.

Bacterial infections are generally seen in the first month post-transplantation, whereas in the weeks-months after, cytomegalovirus (CMV) is relatively frequent. Prophylaxis with valganciclovir may be given against CMV, although the evidence basis is unclear.

Routine prophylaxis is also indicated in renal transplant patients against Pneumocytis jirovecii and oral candidiasis with co-trimoxazole and nystatin, respectively.