Our Summary

The research paper investigates a rare type of infection that can occur in patients who have undergone an organ transplant. The infection, called strongyloidiasis, is caused by a type of worm known as Strongyloides stercoralis. It is often transmitted to the patient from the transplanted organ if the donor was infected. The researchers looked at 27 cases of this happening. They found that the donors were mostly from regions where the worm is common. None of the patients had been given preventative treatment against the worm. After the transplant, it took an average of 72 days for symptoms to appear. The most common symptoms were related to the digestive system. The infection was confirmed by finding the worm in samples from the patient’s digestive or respiratory systems. The researchers also found that the worm was often identified through blood tests. The most common treatment was a drug called Ivermectin, often used alongside other drugs. Unfortunately, 34.6% of patients died from the infection, particularly if the infection spread to the blood. The researchers concluded that screening donors and giving preventative treatment to high-risk patients could help reduce the risk of infection and death.

FAQs

  1. What is strongyloidiasis and how is it transmitted in organ transplants?
  2. What symptoms are usually observed in patients with strongyloidiasis infection after an organ transplant?
  3. What steps can be taken to prevent the transmission of strongyloidiasis in organ transplant procedures?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about organ transplant is to follow all post-transplant care instructions closely, including taking all prescribed medications and attending all follow-up appointments. It is also important to report any new or unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly, as early detection and treatment of complications such as infections can greatly improve outcomes. Additionally, make sure to discuss any potential risks or concerns with your healthcare team before undergoing a transplant procedure.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for organ transplant include those with end-stage organ failure, such as kidney, liver, heart, or lung failure. These patients may have exhausted all other treatment options and are in need of a new organ to improve their quality of life and potentially extend their lifespan. Patients who are otherwise healthy and have a good chance of surviving the transplant surgery and recovery process are also recommended for organ transplant.

Additionally, patients who have a strong support system in place to help them through the transplant process, including caregivers and healthcare providers, are often recommended for organ transplant. Patients who are compliant with their medications and follow-up appointments, as well as those who do not have any other serious medical conditions that could complicate the transplant process, are also good candidates for organ transplant.

Overall, the decision to recommend a patient for organ transplant is made on a case-by-case basis by a team of healthcare providers, including transplant surgeons, nephrologists, cardiologists, and other specialists, who carefully evaluate the patient’s medical history, current health status, and overall prognosis.

Timeline

Before organ transplant:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with a severe organ failure and is deemed a candidate for transplant.
  2. Patient undergoes extensive medical evaluations to determine eligibility for transplant.
  3. Patient is placed on a waiting list for a suitable donor organ.
  4. Patient waits for an appropriate donor organ to become available.

After organ transplant:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery to receive the transplanted organ.
  2. Patient is closely monitored in the hospital for any signs of organ rejection or complications.
  3. Patient begins a regimen of immunosuppressant medications to prevent organ rejection.
  4. Patient undergoes regular follow-up appointments and tests to monitor the success of the transplant.
  5. Patient may experience side effects from the immunosuppressant medications, such as increased risk of infections.
  6. Patient may need additional treatments or procedures to address any complications that arise post-transplant.
  7. Patient must adhere to a strict medication regimen and lifestyle changes to maintain the health of the transplanted organ.
  8. Patient may experience improvements in their overall health and quality of life as a result of the successful transplant.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with organ transplant surgery?
  2. How common is the risk of contracting infections like strongyloidiasis from a transplanted organ?
  3. What steps can be taken to prevent infections like strongyloidiasis in organ transplant patients?
  4. How is strongyloidiasis diagnosed in organ transplant patients?
  5. What are the symptoms of strongyloidiasis and how is it treated?
  6. How long does it typically take for symptoms of strongyloidiasis to appear after a transplant?
  7. Are there any specific tests or screenings that can be done before a transplant to check for infections like strongyloidiasis in the donor?
  8. What is the success rate of treating strongyloidiasis in organ transplant patients?
  9. Are there any long-term effects or complications associated with strongyloidiasis in organ transplant patients?
  10. How can patients reduce their risk of contracting infections like strongyloidiasis after an organ transplant?

Reference

Authors: Kim JH, Kim DS, Yoon YK, Sohn JW, Kim MJ. Journal: Transplant Proc. 2016 Sep;48(7):2442-2449. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2015.11.045. PMID: 27742318