Significance of herpesvirus infections in the etiology of bronchopulmonary complications in patients undergoing heart transplantation

Abstract

Objective. To study significance of herpesviruses in the development of infectious complications in patients after heart transplantation based on the detection of markers of herpesvirus infections. Materials and Methods. The paper presents the results of a comprehensive examination for markers (HVI) of patients who underwent orthotopic heart transplantation at the V.I. Shumakov National Medical Center of Transplantology and Artificial Organs (Moscow). A total of 86 patients were observed. To establish the etiological diagnosis of infectious complications, all the blood serum and blood cell samples were analyzed for markers of herpesvirus infections. The titers of IgM and IgG antibodies to herpesviruses (HSV1, HSV-2, EBV, CMV and HCV-6) in blood serum were determined using enzyme-linked immunoassay. Indirect immunofluorescence was used to detect herpesviruses and their antigens in peripheral blood leukocytes. Early CMV and HCV-6 antigens as well as reproduction of HSV and EBV were detected by a rapid cultural method. Results. There was a wide prevalence of herpesviruses in the studied groups. It was shown that in all groups of patients with reduced immunity, herpesviruses always manifested themselves as mixed infections. Conclusions. The study gives grounds to carry out laboratory diagnostics for all patients in order to differentiate the types of herpes viruses and the degree of their activity in order to identify activation and relief of infectious processes caused by herpes viral infections.

Keywords

• heart transplantation
• immunosuppression
• herpesviruses
• antibodies
• opportunistic infections