Title: Infection after transplantation | National Kidney Federation
Headings: Infection after transplantation
Infection after transplantation
Key Points
Why do infections occur?
Urinary Infection
Colds and Influenza
Pneumonia
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Prevention of infection after a transplant
Chicken pox
BK virus (Poyloma virus)
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Content: However, someone with a transplant may get these infections more frequently, or may take longer to recover after an infection than expected. It is recommended to have the ’flu jab each year, and generally this is safe after transplantation. However, there have been reports of occasional side effects, so if you have had the jab before and felt unwell afterwards, discuss the need for the ’flu jab with your doctor. Pneumonia
Pneumonia (severe infection in the lungs) is rare after a transplant, but most hospitals do give preventative treatment for 6 months after the transplant to prevent an unusual infection called Pneumocystis carinii. This is a bug that is common in the environment and does not cause infection unless the immune system is depressed. The preventative treatment is one tablet of co-trimoxazole (‘Septrin’) daily for 6 months after transplantation. There is also a vaccination against a bug called pneumococcus, which can cause pneumonia. It is recommended that people with renal failure have this jab once. Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
There is a viral infection that is a particular problem after transplantation. It is called cytomegalovirus (CMV).