Prevention and treatment of cytomegalovirus infections in solid organ transplantation

Abstract

Abstract: Human cytomegalovirus, a member of the Betaherpesviridae, has the ability to establish lifelong persistent and usually latent infection. Following primary infection (asymptomatic or symptomatic: CMV mononucleosis), cytomegalovirus disease is generally restricted to the immunocompromised or immunologically immature host. In transplant patients, infection with cytomegalovirus from the donor organ or the reactivation of cytomegalovirus in the recipient can lead to disease development. Cytomegalovirus remains one of the most important infections in solid organ transplant recipients and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Prevention and therapy of cytomegalovirus infections in solid organ transplantation are presented.