Executive summary of the consensus document of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC: GEPI, GeSIDA, GESITRA-IC, GEIRAS) on screening for imported infectious diseases in immunocompromised patients

Abstract

The increase in global mobility has led to a higher prevalence of imported diseases in immunocompromised patients, often asymptomatic but with the potential for reactivation or severe progression. This executive summary presents the key recommendations of the consensus document developed by the Imported Pathology Study Group (GEPI-SEIMC) in collaboration with GeSIDA, GESITRA and GEIRAS (SEIMC), targeting healthcare professionals who manage immunocompromised individuals. Based on a structured narrative review, the document proposes systematic screening strategies to detect imported infections during their asymptomatic phase, clearly distinguishing them from the clinical approach in symptomatic patients. Major infections of concern are summarized. Specific guidance is provided for people living with HIV, donors and transplant recipients, oncohematologic patients, and those receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Differences in reactivation risk, preferred diagnostic methods, and therapeutic decisions in cases of latent infection are highlighted. The document underscores the need to incorporate screening into pre-treatment and pre-transplant assessments, promoting standardized protocols.

Keywords: Cribado; Enfermedades infecciosas importadas; HIV infection; Immunocompromised patients; Imported infectious diseases; Infección por VIH; Inmunodeprimidos; Screening; Transplant; Trasplante.