Utility of quantitative real time PCR in detection and monitoring of viral infections in post renal transplant recipients

Viruses are the main cause of opportunistic infections after kidney transplantation. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), B. K. virus (BKV) and John Cunningham virus (JCV) infections in renal transplant recipients (RTR). This retrospective study of 112 RTR investigated the presence of CMV, EBV and polyomaviruses DNA in plasma and/or urine by PCR. The visualization of PCR products was performed by electrophoresis on 2% agarose gel stained with ethidium bromide and photographed under a UV light. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. CMV DNA was detected in 14/112 (12.5%), EBV DNA in 4/49 (8.16%), BKV DNA in 10/31 (32.26%) and JCV DNA in 3/31 (9.68%) RTR. These results show that CMV infection is more often present in RTR compared to other investigated viral infections. In the light of these results, molecular testing could be useful in identifying recipients at high risk of symptomatic post-transplant viral infection.

Download Full-text

A clinical study of cutaneous manifestations in renal transplant recipients

International Journal of Research in Dermatology ◽

10.18203/issn.2455-4529.intjresdermatol20190053 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 160

Author(s):

Pradeep Vittal Bhagwat ◽

R. Rajagopal ◽

P. S. Murthy ◽

R. S. V. Kumar

Keyword(s):

Renal Transplantation ◽

Renal Transplant ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Fungal Infections ◽

Common Finding ◽

Renal Transplant Recipients ◽

Transplant Recipients ◽

Drug Induced ◽

Cutaneous Manifestations ◽

Dermatological Examination

Background: Chronic renal failure is becoming common entity with increased incidence of diabetes mellitus and resulting diabetic nephropathy. With the availability of renal transplantation services in many centers, increased availability of donors, improved surgical technique and availability of better drugs, the survival of renal transplant recipients has increased. The objective of the study was to study the cutaneous manifestations in renal transplant recipients.Methods: Fifty consenting, consecutive renal transplant recipients attending the OPD and in-patients at Command Hospital Air Force, Bangalore during July 2001 to March 2003 were included in the study. Detailed history was taken and clinical examination was carried out with special emphasis on the Dermatological examination. Relevant investigations were carried out.Results: A total of 50 renal transplant recipients were studied of which 42 (84%) were males and 8 (16%) were females. The age of patients ranged from 16 years to 60 years. Infections were the most common finding, encountered in 38 (76%) patients, followed by drug induced manifestations in 24 (48%) patients. Cellulitis was noted in 1 (2%) patient, viral infections were seen in 18 (36%) patients, fungal infection was the commonest in this study, encountered in 38 (76%) patients. Monomorphic acne was seen in 13 (26%) patients. Hypertrichosis/hirsutism were the commonest drug induced manifestation in this study, seen in 16 (32%) patients.Conclusions: In patients with renal transplantation, superficial fungal infections and viral infections of the skin are seen more commonly. Monomorphic acne and hypertrichosis due to immunosuppressive are also seen frequently. These changes are moderately influenced by the immunosuppressive regimen used.

Download Full-text