Infection in Kidney Transplantation

Patients are faced with various infections following kidney transplantation. Thus, transplant patients are routinely provided prophylaxis against common opportunistic infections such as cytomegalovirus and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia. However, other infections such as urinary tract infections, Epstein- Barr virus, and the BK virus may also lead to posttransplant complications. Recognizing which types of infections are likely to occur and when may aid clinicians in selecting appropriate preemptive strategies. This article provides an overview of the common infections that may complicate kidney transplantation along with potential preventive and treatment strategies.