Human Herpesvirus-6 and Cytomegalovirus Dna Infection in Liver Donor Biopsies

Abstract

Background: Herpesvirus reactivation is common after liver transplantation and co-infections with these viruses may manifest as febrile syndromes. A seropositive donor coupled with a seronegative recipient is a risk factor for primary CMV infection. Objective: Our study analyzed the presence of CMV and HHV-6 - DNA in liver donor biopsies. Methods: Seventy-one patients submitted to orthotopic liver transplant, were investigated for the presence of CMV and HHV-6 DNA and coinfection (both viruses' DNA in the same biopsy) in their liver donor biopsies, using the nested- PCR technique. The biopsies were collected from the organ before the transplant. The clinical donors' information was obtained by the State Health Transplant System, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Results: Forty-four (62%) donors were men and 27 (38 %) were women, almost all the donors were blood group O, with mean age from 18-50. Thirty-seven (52.1%) donors died due to traumatic brain injury. Nine (12.8%) biopsies were positive for CMV DNA and 32 (45%) were positive for HHV-6 DNA. The co-infection (CMV and HHV-6) was positive in 7/71 liver donor biopsies. Conclusions: Infection with CMV and HHV-6 as well as co-infection CMV/HHV-6 has been shown to be highly prevalent in liver donors studied representing a possible risk factor for opportunistic infections.