Prevention and early treatment of opportunistic viral infections in patients with leukemia and allogeneic stem cell transplantation recipients

J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2008 Feb;6(2):191-201. doi: 10.6004/jnccn.2008.0016.

Abstract

A leading complication of leukemia therapy and stem cell transplantation is opportunistic viral infections. Infections caused by cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex, varicella-zoster, Epstein-Barr, and the community respiratory viruses are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in this highly immunosuppressed population. Fortunately, a growing armamentarium is allowing more effective prophylaxis of these pathogens. This article reviews the epidemiology and prophylactic strategies available for these common opportunistic viral pathogens.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage
  • Benzimidazoles / administration & dosage
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / drug therapy
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / prevention & control
  • Foscarnet / administration & dosage
  • Ganciclovir / administration & dosage
  • Herpes Zoster / drug therapy
  • Herpes Zoster / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Immune Sera / administration & dosage
  • Immunization, Passive
  • Immunocompromised Host*
  • Leukemia / epidemiology
  • Leukemia / surgery*
  • Opportunistic Infections / drug therapy
  • Opportunistic Infections / prevention & control*
  • Ribonucleosides / administration & dosage
  • Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Virus Diseases / drug therapy
  • Virus Diseases / epidemiology
  • Virus Diseases / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Benzimidazoles
  • Immune Sera
  • Ribonucleosides
  • varicella-zoster immune globulin
  • Foscarnet
  • Ganciclovir
  • maribavir