Pneumonia in the solid organ transplant patient.
As the field of solid organ transplantation has grown, so has the importance of infectious complications in this select group of patients. Chronic immunosuppression compromises the natural host defenses that typically prevent lower respiratory tract infections and makes the solid organ transplant recipient especially susceptible to pneumonia. Evaluation of pneumonia in this population differs owing to the potential for opportunistic infections. Lung transplant recipients are particularly susceptible to pneumonia and pose unique diagnostic dilemmas. An understanding of the time line for the different key pathogens after transplantation aids the initial evaluation and management.
Chakinala
Murali M
MM
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8052, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. chakinalam@wustl.edu
Trulock
Elbert P
EP
D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D016377:Organ Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000628:therapy; D014181:Transplantation Immunology