Infectious Complications and Vaccinations in the Posttransplant Population

Med Clin North Am. 2016 May;100(3):587-98. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2016.01.008. Epub 2016 Mar 17.

Abstract

Infections remain a major cause of mortality and morbidity after both kidney and liver transplantation, and internists increasingly play a major role in diagnosing and treating these infections. Because of immunosuppression, solid organ transplant recipients do not often demonstrate classic signs and symptoms of infection and have a broader variety of common and opportunistic infections, many of which are generally more difficult to diagnose and treat. Although these patients have many risk factors for infection, a major determinant is the time after transplant as it relates to levels of immunosuppression, healing, and hospital or environmental exposures.

Keywords: Complications; Infections; Kidney transplant; Liver transplant; Prophylaxis; Vaccination.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cross Infection / etiology
  • Cross Infection / mortality
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppression Therapy / adverse effects
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Opportunistic Infections / etiology*
  • Opportunistic Infections / mortality
  • Opportunistic Infections / prevention & control*
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Postoperative Complications / mortality
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control*
  • Risk Factors
  • Surgical Wound Infection / etiology
  • Surgical Wound Infection / mortality
  • Surgical Wound Infection / prevention & control
  • Survival Rate
  • Vaccination*