β-herpesvirus challenges in the transplant recipient

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) has major consequences after allogeneic stem cell and solid organ transplantation. CMV may cause significant morbidity anal mortality, anal monitoring to detect reactivation to reduce disease or management of end organ disease is associated with increased resource utilization. Two other members of the β-herpesvirus family, human herpesvirus (HHV) type 6 anal HHV-7, are increasingly recognized as important pathogens in transplant recipients, either by direct infection (e.g., encephalitis, hepatitis, or pneumonitis) or via interaction with CMV. In addition to direct effects of CMV infection, such indirect effects as an increased risk for bacterial anal fungal infections or impaired graft acceptance and function are important research topics. Diagnosis and treatment of CMV infection is currently more advanced than for HHV-6 and HHV-7.