Stem Cell Transplantation: Infection Risk by Transplant Type and Emerging Trends in Infection Management

Advances in the field of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) provide the opportunity for cure of malignant and nonmalignant diseases. The kinetics of immune reconstitution posttransplant and the immunosuppressive therapies used place HSCT recipients at risk for bacterial, viral, fungal, and other opportunistic infections. Identification of new donor sources of hematopoietic cells has improved accessibility to transplant but may lead to significant deficits in shortand long-term immune reconstitution as well as an increased risk of graft-versushost disease, which also impacts immune reconstitution. Additionally, new therapies used for the treatment of graft-versus-host disease have increased the risk for development of certain infections posttransplant. Understanding the many risk factors for infection in this patient population has allowed for improvement in infection identification and management, including development of new diagnostics and therapeutic modalities, which have decreased morbidity and mortality.

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-01751-4_3-1