Infectious complications after kidney transplantation

3 Abstract Infectious complications after kidney transplantation In the general part of this work, the most common and typical infectious complications in renal transplant recipients are reviewed. The practical part presents results of our research on prevention of the most common infection in renal transplant recipients, cytomegalovirus infection. Globally, infection belongs amongst the main causes of morbidity of solid organ recipients and is the second leading cause of mortality in patients with a functioning kidney graft. In the first year post kidney transplant, approximately one half of recipients undergo a clinically apparent infectious complication and 20% of patients are hospitalized due to infection. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common viral infection in kidney transplant patients and its occurence is associated with serious negative consequences for both kidney and patient survival. Prevention of CMV is essential in renal transplant recipients. Valganciclovir, due to its efficacy and good bioavailability, is the most commonly used antiviral agent used in CMV prophylaxis. The only currently recommended alternative for the prevention of CMV in patients undergoing renal transplantation is valacyclovir. So far, studies comparing valacyclovir and valganciclovir for CMV prophylaxis in renal..