Full Library

Infectious complications are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in both solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients. The risk of infection by common opportunistic pathogens like cytomegalovirus can be mitigated with the optimal use of molecular diagnostics and antiviral prophylaxis. Novel and emerging bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic pathogens may be more successfully managed with early diagnosis and therapy. In the care of solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant candidates and recipients, involvement of physicians with expertise in transplant infectious diseases has been shown to improve outcomes. In addition to their essential role in decreasing patient morbidity and mortality, infectious disease specialists also add value to the transplant program through the development and implementation of infection prevention protocols. These specialists are on the front line of the response to new organisms that may present atypically or be difficult to recognize in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapies pre- and post-transplant. In this rapidly changing field, the Emerging Transplant Infections textbook provides updated information on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of significant infections often seen in this highly immunocompromised population.

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-01751-4_1-1