Infectious complications and HSCT

Abstract

The incidence of life-threatening and/or opportunistic infections in the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) setting varies widely. Despite improved microbial detection methods and supportive care, infection remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in HSCT recipients. Furthermore, infection can confound the management of other HSCT-related complications such as graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Thus, prevention and management of infection remain significant focuses of supportive care of the HSCT patient. This chapter discusses the relevant factors that influence infection risk as well as the most common or significant pathogens associated with HCST. Preventative measures and management of these HSCT-associated infectious complications are discussed herein.