Epstein-Barr virus-associated pneumonia and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome in a lung transplant recipient.
We report the case of a 25-year-old lung and liver transplant recipient who developed respiratory failure. High levels of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome copies were detectable in respiratory tract specimens, while the search for various other viral, bacterial or fungal pathogens remained empty. Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease was excluded. Due to the rapid progression of respiratory insufficiency, a re-transplantation of the lung was performed. EBV-encoded small RNAs could be demonstrated by in situ hybridization within pneumocytes and lymphocytes of the explanted lung tissue. The clinical situation improved soon after re-transplantation, and the EBV load detected in the lower respiratory tract decreased significantly.
Krumbholz
Andi
A
Institute of Virology and Antiviral Therapy, Jena University Hospital-Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany. Andi.Krumbholz@med.uni-jena.de
Sandhaus
Tim
T
Göhlert
Angela
A
Heim
Albert
A
Zell
Roland
R
Egerer
Renate
R
Breuer
Martin
M
Straube
Eberhard
E
Wutzler
Peter
P
Sauerbrei
Andreas
A
D000328:Adult; D001989:Bronchiolitis Obliterans / Q000821:virology*; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000150:complications*; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000821:virology; D008297:Male; D011024:Pneumonia, Viral / Q000821:virology*; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency; D014180:Transplantation
D012367:RNA, Viral