Abstract
Human herpesviruses (HHV) 6 and 7 are ubiquitous infections that reactivate commonly in transplant recipients. However, clinical diseases due to these viruses are reported only in 1% of solid organ transplant recipients. Fever, rash and bone marrow suppression are the most commonmanifestations, but symptoms of tissue invasive disease may be observed. Treatment of HHV- 6 and HHV-7 disease includes antiviral therapy and cautious reduction in immunosuppression. HHV-8 is an oncogenic gamma-herpesvirus that causes Kaposi's sarcoma, Castleman's disease and primary effusion lymphomas in transplant recipients. Nonmalignant diseases such as bone marrow suppression and multiorgan failure have also been associated with HHV- 8. Reduction in immunosuppression is the first line treatment of HHV-8 infection. Other alternatives for treatment, especially for HHV-8 diseases not responsive to immuno-minimization strategies, are surgery and chemotherapy. Sirolimus has been shown to be a beneficial component for the treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma and the role of antivirals for HHV-8 infection is being investigated.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 67-78 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | American Journal of Transplantation |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | SUPPL. 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2013 |
Keywords
- Human herpesvirus 6
- Human herpesvirus 7
- Human herpesvirus 8
- Kaposi's sarcoma
- Roseola infantum
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Transplantation
- Pharmacology (medical)