Human β-herpesvirus interactions in solid organ transplant recipients

J. C. Mendez, D. H. Dockrell, M. J. Espy, T. F. Smith, J. A. Wilson, W. S. Harmsen, D. Ilstrup, C. V. Paya

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

147 Scopus citations

Abstract

The replication of β-herpesviruses - cytomegalovirus (CMV), human herpesvirus (HHV)-6, and HHV-7 - and their association with CMV disease and response to antiviral therapy were prospectively investigated in 33 liver transplant recipients not given antiviral prophylaxis. CMV, HHV-6, and HHV-7 DNA were detected within 8 weeks after transplantation in 70%, 33%, and 42% of the patients, respectively. The univariate association between CMV disease and the 3 β-herpesviruses was more significant by virus load quantitation than by qualitative detection of DNA. This association with high levels of CMV, HHV-6, and HHV-7 (P < .001, .022, and .001, respectively) occurred mainly in CMV-seronegative recipients of transplants from CMV-seropositive donors. Antiviral therapy with ganciclovir (Gcv) reduced the load of CMV and HHV-6 and HHV-7. These results suggest that CMV disease in transplant recipients is related to the unique interaction of the 3 β-herpesviruses and is ultimately reduced after intravenous Gcv treatment.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)179-184
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Infectious Diseases
Volume183
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 15 2001

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Infectious Diseases

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