Infections Ongoing Risk for Transplant Patients

(December 20, 2009) - Long after a transplant (Read about "Transplants") patients still have to be concerned about infections. That's just one of the key pieces of advice from a safe living article published in an infectious diseases supplement in the American Journal of Transplantation.

The supplement - the second issue of guidelines authored by members of the American Society of Transplantation's Infectious Diseases Community of Practice - provides advice on the infection-related challenges facing clinicians caring for people who have received solid organ transplants. These include respiratory viral infections - a vital issue during the current pandemic - guidance on vaccinations and advice on how to handle patients with conditions such as HIV, herpes, Candida and viral hepatitis. (Read about "Influenza" "Immunizations" "HIV / AIDS" "Herpes" "Vaginal Yeast Infections" "Hepatitis A" "Hepatitis B" "Hepatitis C" "Hepatitis D" "Hepatitis E")

"Transplant recipients face a heightened infection risk long after the initial post transplant period and have to adapt their lives to minimize exposure to potential sources" says Dr Robin K Avery. "Our paper aims to highlight the infection risks that transplant recipients experience in their daily lives. These include pet ownership, food safety, safe sex, sporting activities and work-related issues."

"Transplant recipients are living longer and more and more are returning to active lives, including work and recreation" says Dr Avery, who co-authored the paper. "With careful thought and detailed patient education, many potential infection risks can be prevented.