Infections in organ transplant recipients

Although the list of pathogens with potential for causing infection after transplantation continues to expand, the more familiar organisms still predominate. Molecular diagnostic techniques offer rapid, more precise diagnosis of viral infections, such as those caused by cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus, However, their role in clinical practice remains to be fully elucidated, The causal link described between late acute rejection and cytomegalovirus has therapeutic implications, Of increasing interest and concern are the emerging pathogens, such as human herpesvirus-6, hepatitis G virus and vancomycin-resistant enterococci in transplant recipients, Successful attempts at prophylaxis of invasive mycoses, for example candidiasis, have been reported, although invasive moulds are still serious pathogens after transplantation.