Parasitic Infections of the Stem Cell Transplant Recipient and the Hematologic Malignancy Patient, Including Toxoplasmosis and Strongyloidiasis

Abstract

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients may infrequently develop parasitic infections at the time of the procedure via contamination from allograft tissue or blood products, and in the post-transplantation period through the traditional route of infection or as a reactivation caused by immunosuppression related to the transplant. To reduce risk, efforts should be directed at performing a comprehensive history, maintaining a high index of suspicion, and adhering to preventive measures. Additional strategies for the prevention, screening and careful follow-up, identification, and pre-emptive treatment of parasitic infections are required to reduce morbidity and mortality in HSCT patients.

Keywords: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; Immunosuppression; Parasitic infections; Strongyloidiasis; Toxoplasmosis.