Infectious complications after heart transplantation.
Infection has been the major cause of death and morbidity in patients undergoing cardiac transplantation at Groote Schuur Hospital. Twenty-two (55%) patients suffered at least one major episode of infection, which accounted for 10 (59%) of the deaths in the first year. The major site of origin of infection was the lung, though dissemination was not infrequent. Bacteria accounted for 22 (59%) infections; but viral, fungal and protozoal infections were not uncommon and in fact accounted for seven (64%) of the fatal infections. Several unusual causative microorganisms have been isolated in this group of immunocompromised subjects. There is a higher incidence of infection in patients over the age of 35 years and in patients who did not comply with instructions and advice.
D000328:Adult; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality; D009181:Mycoses / Q000382:microbiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000382:microbiology / Q000401:mortality; D011528:Protozoan Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000382:microbiology