Infections
One of the consequences of effective immunosuppressive therapy is an impaired ability to ward off infections (viral, fungal and bacterial). Two of the more frequent infections are:
Polyoma virus (BKV) nephropathy: This common virus causes overt disease in those with a suppressed immune systems, and can lead to graft dysfunction. Present therapy consists of the cautious reduction in the dose of immunosuppressive medication. A number of additional approaches are being studied.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection: CMV is another frequent infection that plays havoc in the transplant population. It can occur from reactivation of host infection or from its acquisition in the renal graft. Active CMV infections can involve multiple organs and can be life-threatening. It is so frequent that most programs give prophylactic ganciclovir during the first three months post transplant.