Abstract
IntroductionHuman Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most important viral pathogen in people undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT). HCMV detection in the early stages makes is possible to save the patients’ lives through immediate and timely treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the status of HCMV using the real-time PCR method in BMT patients in Kermanshah, west of Iran.MethodsHCMV monitoring was done in 120 patients who underwent BMT, 38 allogeneic cases and 82 autologous cases, using the ELISA serology test before transplantation. The participants were followed up 100 days after transplantation for HCMV detection in blood samples using real-time PCR. Preemptive therapy started with Ganciclovir and Foscarnet when the viral load was > 200 HCMV DNA copies/ml.ResultsDespite preemptive therapy, infection recurred in less than 1 month. HCMV recurred more frequently in patients undergoing allogenic transplation versus those receiving autologous transplantation. Recurrence was seen in 5 patients receiving allogenic transplantation. HCMV recurrence occurred in five patients with allogeneic transplantation. Twelve patients undergoing allogeneic or autologous transplantation (83%) and a virus load of > 1000 copies/ml showed HCMV-related symptoms. Three patients died, two due to HCMV-related pneumonia and the other one due to a fungal infection.ConclusionReal-time PCR may be a useful method for quantification and monitoring of HCMV recurrence and may be helpful in choosing more efficient HCMV preemptive treatment in BMT recipients.
Highlights
Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most important viral pathogen in people undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT)
The aim of this study was to investigate the viral load of HCMV in bone marrow transplant patients
HCMV surveillance Whole blood (3–5 ml) samples with EDTA as anticoagulant were collected from patients presenting to the bone marrow transplant ward
Summary
Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most important viral pathogen in people undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The aim of this study was to investigate the status of HCMV using the real-time PCR method in BMT patients in Kermanshah, west of Iran. Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a member of the herpes virus family. This virus can affect various cells of the host body including endothelial, epithelial, and hematopoietic cells [1]. Primary infection may cause different morbidities and even mortality in severe forms. It has a higher frequency, more clinical manifestations, and a higher recurrence rate than secondary infections [4, 5].
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