Recipient screening prior to solid-organ transplantation

Abstract

Screening a potential transplant recipient for infectious diseases is an important component of the transplantation process. Such screening may lead to the discovery and treatment of occult active infection, may help determine posttransplant prophylactic strategies, or may disqualify the recipient from receiving a transplant. The pretransplant period also affords an opportunity for updating vaccination status and providing education regarding the reduction of posttransplant infectious risks. The present brief review will outline the investigation of preexisting active infection, as well as latent bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral infections. Recommendations for pretransplant immunization and education are provided.