Donor-Derived Disease Transmission in Lung Transplantation

Abstract

Purpose of Review Understanding the risk of donor-derived infection, particularly in the lung transplant population, should reduce discarding organs without risk. Ongoing regulatory efforts and improved clinician awareness can help improve organ supply and post-transplantation outcomes. Recent Findings Infections can be divided into expected and unexpected. Syndromes that manifest in the early-post-transplant period should raise concern of a donor-derived transmission. Emerging data suggests that donors with certain bacterial infections can be safely used while donors with HCV infection can be a useful source of previously discarded organs. Donor-derived disease transmission events are rare. Thoughtful donor and recipient screening can mitigate the risk of disease transmission through organ transplantation and may identify donor organs that can be safely used.