Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2010; 31(2): 234-242
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1249119
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Complex Bacterial Infections Pre- and Posttransplant

Erika D. Lease1 , David W. Zaas1
  • 1Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
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Publication History

Publication Date:
30 March 2010 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Infections complications following lung transplantation are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Management of infections is most challenging in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), but all lung transplant recipients are at heightened risk for opportunistic infections. Particularly in CF, pretransplant infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, other highly resistant bacteria (e.g., Stenotrophomonas, Burkholderia), and mycobacteria play a major role in recipient selection and post–lung transplant outcomes. Understanding the clinical impact and management strategies for each of these different pathogens is critical to maximizing the benefit of lung transplantation. In the review, we discuss each of these infections both as pretransplant risk factors as well as posttransplant pathogens and the individual issues that arise with each infection.