Long-Term Infectious Complications of Kidney Transplantation

Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2022 Feb;17(2):286-295. doi: 10.2215/CJN.15971020. Epub 2021 Apr 20.

Abstract

Infections remain a common complication of solid-organ transplantation. Most infections in the first month after transplant are typically health care-associated infections, whereas late infections, beyond 6-12 months, are community-acquired infections. Opportunistic infections most frequently present in the first 12 months post-transplant and can be modulated on prior exposures and use of prophylaxis. In this review, we summarize the current epidemiology of postkidney transplant infections with a focus on key viral (BK polyomavirus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and norovirus), bacterial (urinary tract infections and Clostridioides difficile colitis), and fungal infections. Current guidelines for safe living post-transplant are also summarized. Literature supporting prophylaxis and vaccination is also provided.

Keywords: blastomycosis; coccidioidomycosis; cytomegalovirus; histoplasmosis; kidney transplantation; kidney transplantation series; norovirus; polyomavirus; urinary tract infection; vaccination.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Infections / epidemiology*
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology*
  • Time Factors