Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: an overview of infection risks and epidemiology

John R Wingard; Jack Hsu; John W Hiemenz

doi:10.1016/j.hoc.2010.11.008

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: an overview of infection risks and epidemiology

Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2011 Feb;25(1):101-16. doi: 10.1016/j.hoc.2010.11.008.

Authors

John R Wingard¹, Jack Hsu, John W Hiemenz

Affiliation

¹ Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, 1600 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32610-0278, USA. [email protected]

PMID: 21236393
DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2010.11.008

Abstract

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a treatment for multiple medical conditions that result in bone marrow failure and as an antineoplastic adoptive immunotherapy for hematologic malignancies. HSCT is associated with profound compromises in host barriers and all arms of innate and acquired immunity. The degree of immune compromise varies by type of transplant and over time. Immune reconstitution occurs within several months after autologous HSCT but takes up to a year or longer after allogeneic HSCT. In those patients who develop chronic graft-versus-host disease, immune reconstitution may take years or may never completely develop. Over time, with strengthening immune reconstitution and control of graft-versus-host disease, the risk for infection dissipates.