POST LIVER TRANSPLANT INFECTIONS — EXPERIENCE AT A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Liver Transplantation (LT) is a standard treatment option for End-stage Liver Disease (ESLD). However, Post liver transplant infections remains a major concern. This study aimed to identify the most common microorganisms that cause such infections in a tertiary care Hospital. A total of 30 pa Methods: tients who had undergone LT during the period (2016-2017) was observed. The pre-transplant and post-transplant clinical samples were analysed for the presence of infectious organisms. Additionally, complete blood investigations along with chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) were performed to estimate the levels of immunemodulatory agents. The recipients did not have any infections at the time of t Results: ransplant and were followed-up for infections following LT. Bacterial infections such as Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) (8; 26.6%), bacterial-pneumonia (4; 13.3%), surgical site infections (SSI) (4; 13.3%), and Central-venous-catheter related blood stream infections (8; 26.6%) was observed. The common gram-negative organisms such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and gram-positive organism such as Enterococcus species and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were observed in postoperative period. Moreover, 4 patients were found to have UTI and SSI caused by fungal species such as Candida albicans and Aspergillus species respectively. Viral infection was observed in two patients, which was due to Epstein-Barr virus, a common virus associated with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD). Acute graft rejection (6; 20%) was observed and they were treated with high doses of intravenous corticosteroids. Infections after LT is t Conclusion: he major cause of morbidity and mortality. A better understanding of the common causative infectious organisms and early initiation of therapy may improve the survival rate of recipients.