Parasitic Infections of the Stem Cell Transplant Recipient and the Hematologic Malignancy Patient, Including Toxoplasmosis and Strongyloidiasis

Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2019 Jun;33(2):567-591. doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2019.02.009.

Abstract

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients may infrequently develop parasitic infections at the time of the procedure via contamination from allograft tissue or blood products, and in the post-transplantation period through the traditional route of infection or as a reactivation caused by immunosuppression related to the transplant. To reduce risk, efforts should be directed at performing a comprehensive history, maintaining a high index of suspicion, and adhering to preventive measures. Additional strategies for the prevention, screening and careful follow-up, identification, and pre-emptive treatment of parasitic infections are required to reduce morbidity and mortality in HSCT patients.

Keywords: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; Immunosuppression; Parasitic infections; Strongyloidiasis; Toxoplasmosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Hematologic Neoplasms / complications*
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / parasitology*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppression Therapy / adverse effects
  • Parasitic Diseases / drug therapy
  • Parasitic Diseases / etiology*
  • Parasitic Diseases / transmission
  • Strongyloidiasis / drug therapy
  • Strongyloidiasis / etiology*
  • Toxoplasmosis / drug therapy
  • Toxoplasmosis / etiology*