Systemic Herpes Simplex Virus Infection Following Cadaveric Renal Transplantation: A Case Report

Infections caused by herpes viruses other than cytomegalovirus in solid organ transplant recipients

Despite great advances in solid organ transplantation (SOT) in recent decades, infection remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among SOT recipients. Members of the herpesvirus family are the most common viral pathogens causing disease in this patient population. Herpes viruses are large enveloped DNA viruses that commonly reactivate during periods of severe immunosuppression. Currently, infections caused by herpes viruses continue to complicate clinical management of transplant patients. Although cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most important virus of this family and is the subject of active research, herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) can also lead to severe disease. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) associated with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease is increasingly recognized as a major complication of SOT. There is less information available on the role and impact of other viruses of the herpesvirus family, such as the human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6), human herpes virus 7 (HHV-7) and human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8). This review summarizes current knowledge regarding epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infections caused by herpes viruses other than CMV in SOT recipients.

Viral infection in renal transplant recipients

Viruses are among the most common causes of opportunistic infection after transplantation. The risk for viral infection is a function of the specific virus encountered, the intensity of immune suppression used to prevent graft rejection, and other host factors governing susceptibility. Although cytomegalovirus is the most common opportunistic pathogen seen in transplant recipients, numerous other viruses have also affected outcomes. In some cases, preventive measures such as pretransplant screening, prophylactic antiviral therapy, or posttransplant viral monitoring may limit the impact of these infections. Recent advances in laboratory monitoring and antiviral therapy have improved outcomes. Studies of viral latency, reactivation, and the cellular effects of viral infection will provide clues for future strategies in prevention and treatment of viral infections. This paper will summarize the major viral infections seen following transplant and discuss strategies for prevention and management of these potential pathogens.

Seronegative Herpes simplex Associated Esophagogastric Ulcer after Liver Transplantation

Herpes simplex infection is characterized by acute or subacute infection, often followed by a chronic carrier state. Consecutive recurrences may flare up if immunocompromise occurs. Herpes simplex associated esophagitis or duodenal ulcer have been reported in immunocompromised patients due to neoplasm, HIV/AIDS or therapeutically induced immune deficiency. Here we report the case of an HSV-DNA seronegative patient who developed grade III dysphagia 13 days after allogeneic liver transplantation. Endoscopy revealed an esophageal-gastric ulcer, and biopsy histopathology showed a distinct fibroplastic and capillary ulcer pattern highly suspicious for viral infection. Immunohistochemistry staining revealed a distinct nuclear positive anti-HSV reaction. Antiviral therapy with acyclovir and high-dose PPI led to a complete revision of clinical symptoms within 48 h. Repeat control endoscopy after 7 days showed complete healing of the former ulcer site at the gastroesophageal junction. Although the incidence of post-transplantation Herpes simplex induced gastroesophageal disease is low, the viral HSV ulcer may be included into a differential diagnosis if dysphagia occurs after transplantation even if HSV-DNA PCR is negative.

Nongastroesophageal reflux disease-related infectious, inflammatory and injurious disorders of the esophagus

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review recently published studies presenting novel and relevant information on some esophageal infectious, inflammatory and injurious diseases.

RECENT FINDINGS

In the treatment of Candida esophagitis, fluconazole remains the treatment of choice, but clinical failures indicate new therapeutic opportunities, like two new echinocandins, micafungin and anidulafungin. Eosinophilic esophagitis is an increasingly recognized entity. New therapeutic insights come from a six-food elimination diet in children and from fluticasone propionate in adults; humanized monoclonal IgG antibody anti-interlukin-5, mepolizumab, has been shown to decrease eosinophilia and ameliorate symptoms. There has been some advance in microscopic characterization of lymphocytic esophagitis. Esophagitis is found to be present in 67% of patients with pemphigo vulgaris, in 32.3% of patients with systemic sclerosis and to be associated with thoracic neoplasias. In the case of caustic ingestion, endoscopic ultrasound with miniprobes has proven not to be better than videoendoscopy. Recent evidence shows that systemic steroids might even be harmful. Mitomycin C applied on fresh wounds is currently being evaluated. Stenting of the stricture has been proposed for contrasting esophageal remodeling.

SUMMARY

These recent findings, together with a better understanding of diseases such as eosinophilic or lymphocytic esophagitis, allow new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.