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Review
. 2023 Nov:25 Suppl 1:e14160.
doi: 10.1111/tid.14160. Epub 2023 Oct 4.

Parasitic infections in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients

Emaan Haque  1 , Ibrahim N Muhsen  2 , Walid Rasheed  3 , Riad El Fakih  1   3 , Mahmoud Aljurf  1   3
Affiliations
Review

Parasitic infections in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients

Emaan Haque et al. Transpl Infect Dis. 2023 Nov.

Abstract

Introduction: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a vital treatment for various hematological disorders. However, HSCT recipients face increased risks of infectious complications due to immunosuppression. Parasitic infections are a significant concern in this vulnerable population and can lead to substantial morbidity and mortality. This review examines parasitic infections in HSCT recipients, focusing on major infections affecting different organ systems, including intestinal parasites (Giardia spp., Entamoeba histolytica, and Cryptosporidium spp.), hematologic parasites (Plasmodium spp. and Babesia spp.), and tissue/visceral parasites (Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania spp., and Trypanosoma cruzi).

Methods: A systematic search of relevant literature was conducted and included studies up to August 2023. Databases included PubMed, Google Scholar, were queried using specific keywords related to parasitic infections in HSCT patients. The epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and treatment approaches for each infection were evaluated.

Results and conclusion: Knowing the epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical presentations are crucial for timely intervention and successful management. By emphasizing early detection, effective therapies, and the unique challenges posed by each of these infections, this review highlights the importance of tailored strategies for HSCT recipients. Future research can further refine management protocols to enhance care and outcomes for these patients.

Keywords: HSCT; parasitic infections; transplant recipients.

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References

REFERENCES

    1. Muhsen IN, Galeano S, Niederwieser D, et al. Endemic or regionally limited parasitic and fungal infections in haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation recipients: A Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (WBMT) Review. Lancet Haematol. 2023;10(4):e295-e305.
    1. Rubin RH. Gastrointestinal infectious disease complications following transplantation and their differentiation from immunosuppressant-induced gastrointestinal toxicities. Clin Transplant. 2001;15(4):11-22.
    1. Bowden RA. Transplant Infections. Wolters Kluwer; 2015.
    1. Feng Y, Xiao L. Zoonotic potential and molecular epidemiology of Giardia species and giardiasis. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2011;24(1):110-140.
    1. Dixon BR. Giardia duodenalis in humans and animals-Transmission and disease. Res Vet Sci. 2021;135:283-289.

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