[Infectious disease assessment in solid organ transplant candidates].
BACKGROUND
Infections are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant recipients. Many of these infections can be prevented or their effects reduced by accurate preoperative evaluation of risk in the transplantation candidate. The elaboration of guidelines using a multidisciplinary approach can help to establish more rational diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive measures in this setting.


OBJECTIVE
To elaborate guidelines for the assessment of infectious diseases in transplant candidates, based on consensus among professionals in this field and under the auspices of Spanish scientific societies.


METHODS
The Infections in Transplant Patients Group (GESITRA), within the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC), appointed a panel of four microbiologists and infectious disease specialists to elaborate a draft of the guidelines, which was subsequently approved by all the members of this Group. With the support of the National Transplant Organization, the GESITRA document was then presented to various professionals in this field so they could provide their comments and suggestions.


RESULTS
The final document, after incorporation of all appropriate modifications and suggestions, is presented herein. The guidelines focus on the following: a) diagnosis of active and latent infections, and identification of risk factors in the candidate; b) recommended approach for infections diagnosed during the evaluation process and their corresponding treatment; c) definition of infections contraindicating transplantation; and d) prevention of post-transplantation infectious complications by systematic vaccination and instruction on preventive measures provided to patients, their relatives, and persons living with them.


CONCLUSIONS
Using a multidisciplinary approach that included the efforts of experts in the field and the collaboration of scientific societies, a comprehensive document containing specific recommendations was elaborated. Systematic review of the guidelines in the future is considered worthwhile by both the authors and supporters of this document.
Ayats-Ardite
Josefina
J
Grupo de Estudio de las Infecciones en Trasplantados (GESITRA). Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica (SEIMC). España.
Cisneros-Herreros
José Miguel
JM
Pérez-Sáenz
José Luis
JL
de la Torre-Cisneros
Julián
J
D015415:Biomarkers; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000382:microbiology / Q000821:virology; D000075202:Contraindications; D024901:Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis; D006525:Hepatitis, Viral, Human / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D007239:Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D008499:Medical Records; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D018579:Patient Selection; D010808:Physical Examination; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011859:Radiography; D012307:Risk Factors; D014180:Transplantation; D014374:Tuberculin Test; D014611:Vaccination; D017735:Virus Latency
D015415:Biomarkers