Immunosuppression and Infection Risk in SOT Recipients

The past decade has witnessed the introduction of several potent immunosuppressive agents in the field of transplant medicine. However, complications such as infection and allograft rejection remain major causes of morbidity and mortality following solid organ transplant. Primary considerations when evaluating transplant recipients include a high index of suspicion for infection or malignancy; consideration of acute rejection, which may mimic infection; and vigilance for adverse drug reactions and drug interactions associated with immunosuppressive medications. Measures to prevent infection, including vaccination and prophylaxis, should be implemented whenever the opportunity arises.