Donor-Derived Infections in Transplant Patients

Numerous cases of donor-derived infections (DDI) after solid-organ transplantation have been reported in recent times. While some are expected (often due to cytomegalovirus or Epstein-Barr virus), others have been clinically unexpected. Pre-transplant screening is quite helpful in abrogating the risks of DDI but could be optimized further to increase patient safety, reduce risk, augment the number of organs transplanted, and save more lives. Testing thus far has largely been serologic; advances in testing technology have allowed the use of nucleic acid testing, as well as other new testing modalities. The optimal use of such testing in the solid organ transplant setting remains to be determined. Increased awareness of DDI has augmented and will continue to augment our ability to effectively diagnose and care for solid organ transplant recipients.