Infection Caused by Herpes Simplex Virus, Varicella-Zoster Virus and Epstein-Barr Virus in Organ Transplant Recipients, and their Diagnosis
Immunosuppressed patients are at risk of severe herpesvirus infections. Herpes simplex (HSV), varicellazoster (VZV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections are associated with characteristic syndromes in this population. Typically I-ISV and VZ:V infections cause mucocutaneous lesions; diagnosis is u...
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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
1993-01-01
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| Series: | Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/1993/316828 |
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| Summary: | Immunosuppressed patients are at risk of severe herpesvirus infections. Herpes simplex (HSV), varicellazoster
(VZV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections are associated with characteristic syndromes in this
population. Typically I-ISV and VZ:V infections cause mucocutaneous lesions; diagnosis is usually con finned
by tissue culture or nuorescent microscopy. The availability of effective antiviral agents, and accurate
techniques for laboratory diagnosis have improved the management of I-ISV and VZ:V infections. Antibody
assays to demonstrate I-ISVorVZ:V infections are of limited value in immunocompromised patients, because
the presence of antibodies does not indicate a decreased risk for HSV, varicella or zoster, but indicates
susceptibility for reactivated infection. EBV is associated with lymphoproliferative disorders in transplant
recipients. Infection of lymphocytes by EBV is a necessary step in achieving B cell transformation and
immortalization. The lack of immunosurveillance against EBV-transformed B cells predisposes patients to
developing invasive infiltration of transformed B cells . Diagnostic methods for EBV infections include
lymphocyte transfom1ation, serology, and detection of DNA by direct hybridization or by DNA amplification.
Quantitative oropharyngeal EBV shedding is a good marker for the development of lymphoproliferative
disease in transplant recipients. Patients experiencing primary EBV infection are at the highest risk for
lymphoproliferative disorders. Prophylactic antiviral therapy may be of benefit in preventing EBV replication
and therefore in decreasing the risk for lymphoproliferation. |
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| ISSN: | 1180-2332 |