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Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2016; 37(04): 603-630
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1584793
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Herpesvirus Respiratory Infections in Immunocompromised Patients: Epidemiology, Management, and Outcomes

Authors

  • Gail E. Reid

    1   Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Loyola University, Maywood, Illinois

  • Joseph P. Lynch III

    2   Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, The David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California

  • Samuel Weigt

    2   Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, The David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California

  • David Sayah

    2   Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, The David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California

  • John A. Belperio

    2   Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, The David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California

  • Shellee A. Grim

    1   Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Loyola University, Maywood, Illinois
    3   Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

  • Nina M. Clark

    1   Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Loyola University, Maywood, Illinois
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
03 August 2016 (online)

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Abstract

Among immunocompromised individuals, members of the human Herpesviridae family are frequently encountered pathogens. Cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, varicella zoster virus, Epstein–Barr virus, and human herpesvirus-6, -7, and -8 all establish latency after infection and can reactivate during periods of immunosuppression, leading to both direct and indirect adverse effects on the host including severe organ dysfunction as well as allograft rejection and loss after transplantation. While not all herpesviruses are primary respiratory pathogens, many of their manifestations include involvement of the respiratory tract. This article discusses the individual viruses, their epidemiology, and clinical manifestations as well as recommended treatment and preventive strategies.

Keywords

herpesviruses - transplantation - immunodeficiency - viral infection