Mycobacterial Infections in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease and Kidney Transplantation

Abstract

Patients with chronic kidney disease have impaired immunity that increases their risk of infection. Increased incidence of mycobacterial infections, in particular Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is described in patients undergoing hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis as well as after kidney transplantation in low-prevalence and high-prevalence settings. Diagnosis of this infection can be challenging because of atypical presentations that may lead to treatment delay and, consequently, increased mortality; however, recent advances in molecular testing have improved diagnostic accuracy. It is imperative to try to identify those patients at increased risk and offer adequate prophylaxis. There are controversies and insufficient data regarding treatment agents, duration, and dosages. Most studies in nontuberculous mycobacteria are based on case series and retrospective studies.