Molecular Markers in the Immunocompromised host

Abstract

Recent developments in the management of infectious complications in heavily immunosuppressed patients, especially in patients after solid organ and stem cell transplantation have helped to reduce transplant‐related mortality. The introduction of molecular methods has allowed for earlier diagnosis of infection, and so‐called pre‐emptive treatment approaches targeting infection rather than established disease was developed. More recently, some of these molecular methods have been commercialised providing standardized diagnostic methods. In this review, recent development in the management of CMV, EBV and fungal infections in heavily immunosuppressed patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation are discussed.

• nucleic acid markers
• PCR
• transplantation
• infection