Prevention of viral infections in solid organ transplant recipients in the era of COVID-19: a narrative review

Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2021 Dec 2. doi: 10.1080/14787210.2022.2013808. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTINTRODUCTION: In solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, viral infections are associated with direct morbidity and mortality and may influence long-term allograft outcomes. Prevention of viral infections by vaccination, antiviral prophylaxis, and behavioral measures is therefore of paramount importance.AREAS COVERED: We searched Pubmed to select publications to review current preventive strategies against the most important viral infections in SOT recipients, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, CMV and other herpesvirus, viral hepatitis, measles, mumps, rubella, and BK virus.EXPERT OPINION: The clinical significance of the reduced humoral response following mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in SOT recipients still needs to be better clarified, in particular with regard to the vaccines' efficacy in preventing severe disease. Although a third dose improve immunogenicity and is already integrated into routine practice in several countries, further research is still needed to explore additional interventions. In the upcoming years, further data are expected to better delineate the role of virus-specific cell mediated immune monitoring for the prevention of CMV and potentially other viral diseases, and the role of the letermovir in the prevention of CMV in SOT recipients. Future studies including clinical endpoints will hopefully facilitate the integration of successful new influenza va...
Source: Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy - Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Source Type: research