Human rhinovirus infections in hematopoietic cell transplant recipients: risk score for progression to lower respiratory tract infection

Human rhinovirus (HRV) is the most commonly detected respiratory virus following hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in both the upper and lower respiratory tract [1,2]. Though rare, once virologically confirmed lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) has developed, mortality rates due to HRV appear to be high (21% to 41%) and even similar to those seen with other respiratory viruses including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and parainfluenza viruses (PIVs) [3 –5]. Risk factors associated with LRTI in this population have been defined for RSV, PIVs, influenza, and human metapneumovirus (HMPV) [6–10], which include lymphopenia, use of high dose steroids, and conditioning regimen; this has not been done systematically in HCT recipients presenting with H RV upper respiratory tract infection (URTI).
Source: Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation - Category: Hematology Authors: Source Type: research