Short-term outcomes of deceased donor renal transplants of HCV uninfected recipients from HCV seropositive nonviremic donors and viremic donors in the era of direct-acting antivirals

The United States opioid use epidemic over the past decade has coincided with an increase in hepatitis C virus  (HCV) positive donors. Using propensity score matching, and the Organ Procurement Transplant Network data files from January 2015 to June 2019, we analyzed the short-term outcomes of adult deceased donor kidney transplants of HCV uninfected recipients with two distinct groups of HCV positive donors (HCV seropositive, nonviremic n = 352 and viremic n = 196) compared to those performed using HCV uninfected donors (n = 36 934). Compared to the reference group, the transplants performed using HCV seropositive, nonviremic and viremic donors experienced a lower proportion of delayed graft function (35.2 vs 18.9%; P < .001 [HCV seropositive, nonviremic donors] and 36.2 vs 16.8% ;  P < .001[HCV viremic donors]). The recipients of HCV viremic donors had better allograft function at 6 months posttransplant (eGFR [54.1 vs 68.3 mL/min/1.73 m2; P = .004]. Furthermore, there was no statistical difference in the overall graft failure risk at 12 months posttransplant by propensity score matched multivariable Cox proportional analysis (HR =  0.60, 95% CI  0.23 to  1.29 [HCV seropositive, nonviremic donors] and HR =  0.85, 95% CI 0.25 to  2.96 [HCV viremic donors]). Further studies are required to determine the long-term outcomes of these transplants and address unanswered questions regarding the use of HCV viremic donors.

2664. Impact of Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Infections in Solid-Organ Transplantation: The Value of Electronic Health Records-Based Registries and Data Extraction Tools

Background

Antimicrobial usage is the most important driver of antimicrobial resistance. Despite compelling reasons to use antimicrobials judiciously, it has been challenging to implement antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) in the solid-organ transplant (SOT) population. The objective of our study is to assess the impact of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections (MDRBI) on the 1-year post-transplant survival in SOT recipients.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we included all patients with a first SOT from January 1, 2010–December 31, 2016 at our institution. Patients were followed for a year. Data extraction tools retrieved information from the electronic health record (EHR) and merged it with data from the Social Security Death Index (SSDI) and Standard Transplant Analysis and Research (STAR) files. Charts of subjects with positive cultures were manually reviewed and adjudicated using CDC/ECDC and CDC/NHSN criteria. The 1-year MDRBI cumulative incidence and survival were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using the Log-rank test. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify predictors of 1-year mortality. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection, renal replacement therapy (RRT), and post-transplant extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) were analyzed as a time-dependent covariate.

Results

1,112 SOT recipients met inclusion criteria. Patient characteristics are shown in Table 1. 105 patients had at least one MDRBI. The cumulative incidence of MDRBI was 9.7% (95% CI 14.6–5.9) (Figure 1). The most common MDR pathogens were Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci and E. coli (Figure 2A), and the most common sites of infection were urinary tract infection and pneumonia (Figure 2B). The 1-year post-SOT survival in patients with MDR infection was 75.3% (95% CI 82.8–65.2) (Figure 2C). In multivariable analysis, MDRBI (HR = 6.2 [3.5–10.9]) and post-SOT RRT (HR = 17.8 [10.3–30.6]) were associated with an increased risk of 1-year mortality (Table 2).

Conclusion

MDRBI significantly impacts the 1-year survival of SOT recipients. Our results highlight the need to strengthen ASP measures in SOT. Additionally, this study illustrates the versatility of EHR-based registries and data extraction tools in the field of transplantation.

Disclosures

All authors: No reported disclosures.

2697. The Impact of Universal Deceased Donor Screening on Donor-Derived Toxoplasmosis in Solid-Organ Transplant: Report of the OPTN Ad Hoc Disease Transmission Advisory Committee (DTAC)

Background

Donor-derived toxoplasmosis (DDT) is a severe and potentially life-threatening infection after solid-organ transplantation (SOT). Serologic testing for Toxoplasma gondii is required for all deceased donors per OPTN policy as of 4/6/17. To assess the impact of universal donor testing and the optimal approach to DDT prevention, we analyzed potential DDT cases reviewed by DTAC.

Methods

All potential Toxoplasma donor-derived transmission events adjudicated by DTAC from 2008 to 2018 were reviewed. A standardized classification algorithm was used to adjudicate each event as proven, probable, possible, unlikely, excluded or intervention without disease transmission.

Results

Twenty-eight potential DDT events were reported between 2008 and 2018. Proven or probable (p/p) DDT developed in 16 organ recipients from 15 donors. In the 9 years prior to the new testing requirement (January 2008–March 2017) 11 organ recipients from 10 donors had p/p DDT (0.13 transmissions per 1,000 donors); in the first 21 months of the new testing requirement 5 recipients from 5 donors had p/p DDT (0.27 transmissions per 1,000 donors), rate ratio 2.15; 95% CI 0.577, 6.90;P = 0.18. 10.2% of 18,328 donors tested between April 6, 2017 and December 31, 2018 were Toxoplasma IgG seropositive. Recipient pre-SOT serostatus was unknown in 4 of 5 and negative in 1 case of p/p DDT. Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis was either stopped at < 3 months or not used in all 5 cases. Infection was diagnosed a median of 103 days (range 42–153) post-transplant. Four of the 5 recipients died.

Conclusion

DDT remains a morbid infection in both heart and non-heart recipients. Despite an apparent increase in DDT reporting to DTAC, it is unlikely that the actual incidence of this donor-derived event is increasing. Rather, with universal serologic screening of deceased donors and wider access to molecular diagnostics, DDT is increasingly recognized and diagnosed. To decrease risk for illness and death related to DDT, broader pre-transplant recipient serologic testing and use of prophylaxis or monitoring for high-risk serostatus recipients (Toxoplasma D+/R−) is critical. The optimal duration of prophylaxis is uncertain at this time and warrants further study.

Disclosures

All authors: No reported disclosures.

88. Public Health Service (PHS) Increased-Risk Factors in Organ Donors: A Review of the OPTN Ad hoc Disease Transmission Advisory Committee (DTAC)

Background

In the United States, all deceased donors (DD) are evaluated for behavioral risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV), and hepatitis C (HCV) infection during the past 12 months. DD with behavioral risk factors or hemodilution are designated as PHS increased risk donors (IRD). Since 2013, the number of IRD has increased from 13.4% of DD to 27% in 2018. Despite a low residual risk of disease transmission after a negative nucleic acid test for HIV/HBV/HCV, the considerable underutilization of IRD has driven an interest in revising the PHS IRD 2013 guidelines. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiology of IRD with the goal of guiding policy change and maximize organ use.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of DD during 2018. Characteristics of IRD were compared with non-IRD. A random 10% sample of IRD was selected for manual review of text narratives and donor questionnaires submitted by organ procurement organizations to determine specific PHS IRD factors. Categorical variables were compared using the χ ² test and continuous variables were compared using a 2-sample t-test for independent samples.

Results

Among 10,721 DD in 2018, 2,904 were designated IRD (27.1%) with regional variability noted (Figure). Compared with non-IRD, IRD were younger (median age 35 vs. 45 years, P < 0.001) and more often died from drug intoxication (33.2 vs. 5.6%, P < 0.001). Hemodilution was found in 6.8% of all IRD and was the only factor for IRD designation in 60% of pediatric donors <12 years old. The random sample of IRD (N = 288) was similar to IRD population for age, gender, ethnicity, cause of death, and region of recovery (table). Descriptive analysis of the random sample showed that intravenous drug use was the most common behavioral risk factor (N = 124, 43.1%), followed by incarceration (N = 108, 37.5%). Most DD met only 1 criterion (N = 179, 62%); 21% met 2 criteria; and 17% had >3 criteria.

Conclusion

This study represents the most detailed description of PHS IRD factors since the adoption of the new guidelines in 2013. Understanding the prevalence of factors that lead to IRD designation will help inform future policy development, optimize safe DD use, and increase the number of transplants.

Disclosures

All Authors: No reported Disclosures.

Intestinal parasites including Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Giardia, and Microsporidia, Entamoeba histolytica, Strongyloides, Schistosomiasis, and Echinococcus: Guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice

These updated guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Community of Practice of the American Society of Transplantation review the diagnosis, prevention, and management of intestinal parasites in the pre- and post-transplant period. Intestinal parasites are prevalent in the developing regions of the world. With increasing travel to and from endemic regions, changing immigration patterns, and the expansion of transplant medicine in developing countries, they are increasingly recognized as a source of morbidity and mortality in solid-organ transplant recipients. Parasitic infections may be acquired from the donor allograft, from reactivation, or from de novo acquisition post-transplantation. Gastrointestinal multiplex assays have been developed; some of the panels include testing for Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia, and the performance is comparable to conventional methods. A polymerase chain reaction test, not yet widely available, has also been developed to detect Strongyloides in stool samples. New recommendations have been developed to minimize the risk of Strongyloides donor-derived events. Deceased donors with epidemiological risk factors should be screened for Strongyloides and recipients treated if positive as soon as the results are available. New therapeutic agents and studies addressing the optimal treatment regimen for solid-organ transplant recipients are unmet needs.

Tissue and blood protozoa including toxoplasmosis, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, Babesia, Acanthamoeba, Balamuthia, and Naegleria in solid organ transplant recipients- Guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice

These updated guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Community of Practice of the American Society of Transplantation review the diagnosis, prevention, and management of tissue and blood protozoal infections in the pre- and post-transplant period. Significant new developments in the field have made it necessary to divide the previous single guideline published in 2013 into two sections, with the intestinal parasites separated from this guideline devoted to tissue and blood protozoa. The current update reflects the increased focus on donor screening and risk-based recipient monitoring for parasitic infections. Increased donor testing has led to new recommendations for recipient management of Toxoplasma gondii and Trypanosoma cruzi. Molecular diagnostics have impacted the field, with access to rapid diagnostic testing for malaria and polymerase chain reaction testing for Leishmania. Changes in Babesia treatment regimens in the immunocompromised host are outlined. The risk of donor transmission of free-living amebae infection is reviewed. Changing immigration patterns and the expansion of transplant medicine in developing countries has contributed to the recognition of parasitic infections as an important threat to transplant outcomes. Medications such as benznidazole and miltefosine are now available to US prescribers as access to treatment of tissue and blood protozoa is increasingly prioritized.

Delayed febrile response with bloodstream infections in patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are common in patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVADs). Whether CF-LVADs modulate the febrile response to BSIs is unknown. We retrospectively compared the febrile response to BSIs in patients with heart failure (HF) with CF-LVADs versus a control population of patients with HF receiving inotropic infusions. BSIs were adjudicated using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Healthcare Safety Network criteria. Febrile status (temperature ≥38°C, 100.4 °F), temperature at presentation with BSI, and the highest temperature within 72 hours (Tmax) were collected. We observed 59 BSIs in LVAD patients and 45 BSIs in controls. LVAD patients were more likely to be afebrile and to have a lower temperature at presentation than control (88% vs 58%, p=0.002, and 37°C ±0.7 vs 37.7°C ±1.0, p=0.0009, respectively). By 72 hours, the difference in afebrile status diminished (53% vs 44%, p=0.42), and the Tmax was similar between the LVAD and control groups (37.9°C±0.9 vs 38.2°C±0.8, respectively, p=0.10). In conclusion, at presentation with a BSI, the vast majority of CF-LVAD patients were afebrile, an event which occurred at a higher frequency when compared with patients with advanced HF on chronic inotropes via an indwelling venous catheter. These data alert clinicians to have a very low threshold to obtain blood cultures in CF-LVAD patients even in the absence of fever. Further study is needed to determine whether a delayed or diminished febrile response represents another pathophysiological consequence of CF-LVADs.

Reactivation of Chagas disease among heart transplant recipients in the United States, 2012-2016

BACKGROUND

Heart transplantation has been shown to be a safe and effective intervention for progressive cardiomyopathy from chronic Chagas disease. However, in the presence of the immunosuppression required for heart transplantation, the likelihood of Chagas disease reactivation is significant. Reactivation may cause myocarditis resulting in allograft dysfunction and the rapid onset of congestive heart failure. Reactivation rates have been well documented in Latin America; however, there is a paucity of data regarding the risk in non-endemic countries.

METHODS

We present our experience with 31 patients with chronic Chagas disease who underwent orthotopic heart transplantation in the United States from 2012 to 2016. Patients were monitored following a standard schedule.

RESULTS

Of the 31 patients, 19 (61%) developed evidence of reactivation. Among the 19 patients, a majority (95%) were identified by laboratory monitoring using polymerase chain reaction testing. One patient was identified after the onset of clinical symptoms of reactivation. All subjects with evidence of reactivation were alive at follow-up (median: 60 weeks).

CONCLUSIONS

Transplant programs in the United States are encouraged to implement a monitoring program for heart transplant recipients with Chagas disease. Our experience using a preemptive approach of monitoring for Chagas disease reactivation was effective at identifying reactivation before symptoms developed.

Training in transplant infectious diseases: A survey of infectious diseases and transplant infectious diseases fellows in the United States and Canada

BACKGROUND

Infectious diseases (ID) specialists with experience in managing infections in transplant recipients and other immunocompromised hosts are increasingly needed as these fields expand.

METHODS

To evaluate experiences and identify trainee-described needs in transplant infectious diseases (TID) training, the American Society of Transplantation, Infectious Diseases Community of Practice (AST IDCOP) surveyed ID fellows across the United States and TID fellows in the United States and Canada and received responses from 203 ID fellows and 13 TID fellows.

RESULTS

Among ID fellows, the amount of TID training during ID fellowship was rated between less than ideal and adequate. Reasons cited included limited frequency of didactic activities and limited exposure to transplant patients during training. In particular, ID fellows at low-volume transplantation centers expressed interest in more TID training time, away training opportunities, and specific TID didactics. Educational resources of high interest among trainees were case-based interactive websites, mobile phone applications with TID guidelines, and a centralized collection of relevant articles. Pediatric ID fellows reported lower satisfaction scores with TID training, while TID fellows were overall satisfied or more than satisfied with their training experience.

CONCLUSION

Findings from this survey will inform local and national TID educational initiatives.

Cryptococcal infections: changing epidemiology and implications for therapy

Although the incidence of HIV-associated cryptococcosis has decreased in developed countries since the introduction of antiretroviral therapy, this disease continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa among patients with AIDS. Important strides have been made in an attempt to decrease the burden of disease, particularly the development of the lateral flow assay cryptococcal antigen (LFA CrAg) as a diagnostic tool in resource-limited settings, coupled with the introduction of pre-emptive treatment with fluconazole for HIV-positive patients at risk for cryptococcosis with a positive LFA CrAg. Among solid organ transplant recipients, recent prospective studies have identified cryptococcosis as the third most common invasive fungal infection, and progress is being made toward earlier diagnosis and more effective therapy. Finally, the Cryptococcus gattii outbreak in British Columbia, Canada and the US Pacific Northwest is providing important new insights into the emergence of this pathogen in geographic areas previously considered low risk for acquisition of infection. Understanding the similarities and differences among C. gattii and C. neoformans infections will provide critical insights into the behavior of these organisms in the human host. Both pathogens affect immunocompetent and immunosuppressed hosts, causing pulmonary, central nervous system and widely disseminated infections. Treatment recommendations in the future will necessarily take into account the site of infection, clinical severity of the infection, Cryptococcus species, host immune status and economic resources.

Subcutaneous fungal infections

Subcutaneous mycoses are common in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. These infections have multiple features in common, including similar epidemiology, mode of transmission, indolent chronic presentation with low potential for dissemination in immunocompetent hosts, and pyogranulomatous lesions on histopathology. Herein, we provide up-to-date epidemiologic, clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic data for three important subcutaneous mycoses: chromoblastomycosis, mycetoma, and sporotrichosis.