Cytological diagnosis of infections in renal allograft recipients

Abstract

Infection is the most common cause of mortality and morbidity within the first year of transplantation. Renal allograft recipients are susceptible to various opportunistic infections because of prolonged immunosuppression. The study was carried out to evaluate the role of cytology for rapid diagnosis of infections in transplant patients. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of superficial lesions, guided aspirations from deep seated lesions, bronchoalveolar lavage, endoscopic brushings and urine cytology was the material studied. 292 renal transplants were done during a period of nine years. 46 cases of infections were diagnosed, comprising of bacterial (26), viral (2), fungal (13) and mixed bacterial and fungal (5). Cytological examination offers a rapid and specific diagnosis of infections in these immunocompromised patients. The incidence, severity of infection and mortality in post transplant patients will decrease with early diagnosis and high index of clinical suspicion.