Incidence and outcomes of cytomegalovirus reactivation after chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy.

ABSTRACT: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation is a major complication among seropositive allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation recipients; however, data on CMV reactivation after chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy are limited. We report the incidence and outcomes of 95 adult CMV-seropositive patients who received CAR T-cell therapy between February 2018 and February 2023. CMV outcomes were CMV reactivation (any viremia) and clinically significant CMV infection (cs-CMV). Thirty-one patients (33%) had evidence of CMV reactivation (any viremia), and 10 patients (11%) had cs-CMV. The median time from CAR T-cell infusion to CMV reactivation was 19 days (interquartile range [IQR], 9-31). The cumulative incidence of CMV (any viremia) was significantly higher among patients with grade 3 to 4 cytokine release syndrome (67 vs 28%; P = .01), and those who received corticosteroids (39 vs 21%; P = .03), anakinra (56 vs 28%; P = .02), or ≥2 immunosuppressants (41 vs 21%; P = .02). Receipt of corticosteroids (18 vs 0%; P = .004), tocilizumab (14 vs 0%; P = .04), anakinra (33 vs 7%; P = .008), and ≥2 immunosuppressants (20 vs 0%; P = .001) were all associated with cs-CMV. Receiving ≥2 immunosuppressants was associated with a twofold increase in CMV reactivation in multivariate analyses (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-4.8; P = .03). Overall, the 1-year mortality was significantly higher in those with CMV reactivation (57% vs 23%; P = .001). Immunosuppression, particularly with corticosteroids, for the management of CAR T-cell toxicities, is a major risk factor for CMV reactivation.

Wait Time Advantage for Transplant Candidates With HIV Who Accept Kidneys From Donors With HIV Under the HOPE Act.

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplant (KT) candidates with HIV face higher mortality on the waitlist compared with candidates without HIV. Because the HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act has expanded the donor pool to allow donors with HIV (D + ), it is crucial to understand whether this has impacted transplant rates for this population. METHODS: Using a linkage between the HOPE in Action trial (NCT03500315) and Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, we identified 324 candidates listed for D + kidneys (HOPE) compared with 46 025 candidates not listed for D + kidneys (non-HOPE) at the same centers between April 26, 2018, and May 24, 2022. We characterized KT rate, KT type (D + , false-positive [FP; donor with false-positive HIV testing], D - [donor without HIV], living donor [LD]) and quantified the association between HOPE enrollment and KT rate using multivariable Cox regression with center-level clustering; HOPE was a time-varying exposure. RESULTS: HOPE candidates were more likely male individuals (79% versus 62%), Black (73% versus 35%), and publicly insured (71% versus 52%; P < 0.001). Within 4.5 y, 70% of HOPE candidates received a KT (41% D + , 34% D - , 20% FP, 4% LD) versus 43% of non-HOPE candidates (74% D - , 26% LD). Conversely, 22% of HOPE candidates versus 39% of non-HOPE candidates died or were removed from the waitlist. Median KT wait time was 10.3 mo for HOPE versus 60.8 mo for non-HOPE candidates ( P < 0.001). After adjustment, HOPE candidates had a 3.30-fold higher KT rate (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.30, 95% confidence interval, 2.14-5.10; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Listing for D + kidneys within HOPE trials was associated with a higher KT rate and shorter wait time, supporting the expansion of this practice for candidates with HIV.

Breakthrough invasive fungal infections on isavuconazole prophylaxis in hematologic malignancy & hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients.

BACKGROUND: Isavuconazole (ISA) is a newer antifungal used in patients with history of hematologic malignancies and hematopoietic transplant and cellular therapies (HM/TCT). Although it has a more favorable side-effect profile, breakthrough invasive fungal infections (bIFIs) while on ISA have been reported. METHODS: In this single-center retrospective study evaluating HM/TCT patients who received prophylactic ISA for ≥7 days, we evaluated the incidence and potential risk factors for bIFIs. RESULTS: We evaluated 106 patients who received prophylactic ISA. The patients were predominantly male (60.4%) with median age of 65 (range: 21-91) years. Acute myeloid leukemia (48/106, 45.3%) was the most common HM, with majority having relapsed and/or refractory disease (43/106, 40.6%) or receiving ongoing therapy (38/106, 35.8%). Nineteen patients (17.9%) developed bIFIs-nine proven [Fusarium (3), Candida (2), Mucorales plus Aspergillus (2), Mucorales (1), Colletotrichum (1)], four probable invasive pulmonary Aspergillus, and six possible infections. Twelve patients were neutropenic for a median of 28 (8-253) days prior to bIFI diagnosis. ISA levels checked within 7 days of bIFI diagnosis (median: 3.65 µg/mL) were comparable to industry-sponsored clinical trials. All-cause mortality among the bIFI cases was 47.4% (9/19).We also noted clinically significant cytomegalovirus co-infection in 5.3% (1/19). On univariate analysis, there were no significant differences in baseline comorbidities and potential risk factors between the two groups. CONCLUSION: ISA prophylaxis was associated with a significant cumulative incidence of bIFIs. Despite the appealing side-effect and drug-interaction profile of ISA, clinicians must be vigilant about the potential risk for bIFIs.

A Retrospective, Observational Study of 12 Cases of Expanded-Access Customized Phage Therapy: Production, Characteristics, and Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is undermining modern medicine, a problem compounded by bacterial adaptation to antibiotic pressures. Phages are viruses that infect bacteria. Their diversity and evolvability offer the prospect of their use as a therapeutic solution. Reported are outcomes of customized phage therapy for patients with difficult-to-treat antimicrobial resistant infections. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed 12 cases of customized phage therapy from a phage production center. Phages were screened, purified, sequenced, characterized, and Food and Drug Administration-approved via the IND (investigational new drug) compassionate-care route. Outcomes were assessed as favorable or unfavorable by microbiologic and clinical standards. Infections were device-related or systemic. Other experiences such as time to treatment, antibiotic synergy, and immune responses were recorded. RESULTS: Fifty requests for phage therapy were received. Customized phages were generated for 12 patients. After treatment, 42% (5/12) of cases showed bacterial eradication and 58% (7/12) showed clinical improvement, with two-thirds of all cases (66%) showing favorable responses. No major adverse reactions were observed. Antibiotic-phage synergy in vitro was observed in most cases. Immunological neutralization of phages was reported in 5 cases. Several cases were complicated by secondary infections. Complete characterization of the phages (morphology, genomics, and activity) and their production (methods, sterility, and endotoxin tests) are reported. CONCLUSIONS: Customized phage production and therapy was safe and yielded favorable clinical or microbiological outcomes in two-thirds of cases. A center or pipeline dedicated to tailoring the phages against a patient's specific AMR bacterial infection may be a viable option where standard treatment has failed.

Successful restoration of protective immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella following MMR vaccination in adult hematopoietic cell transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: The optimal number of doses as well as the role for measurement of postvaccination titers after measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccination in adult hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) recipients remains unknown. METHODS: In the present study, we assessed humoral immunity against measles, mumps and rubella before and after MMR vaccination in 187 adults who received at least one dose of the MMR vaccine after HCT. RESULTS: Among those with baseline titers, posttransplant prevaccination seroprotection rates were 56%, 30%, and 54% for measles, mumps, and rubella, respectively; and significantly lower in allogeneic versus autologous HCT recipients for measles (39% vs. 80%, p = .0001), mumps (22% vs. 41%; p = .02) and rubella (48% vs. 62%, p = .12). Among those who were seronegative at baseline, seroconversion rates after one dose of MMR were 69%, 56%, and 97% for measles, mumps, and rubella, respectively. Seronegative patients after one dose of MMR (i.e., nonresponders) seroconverted for measles and mumps after a second MMR vaccine dose. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate successful restoration of protective immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella after vaccination in adult HCT recipients; one dose of MMR elicited protective titers in the majority of patients, and a second vaccine dose was immunogenic in nonresponders.

Early administration of SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibody reduces the risk of mortality in hematologic malignancy and hematopoietic cell transplant patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Data on severe acute respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus 2 monoclonal antibody (SARS-CoV-2-specific mAb) use in hematologic malignancy and hematopoietic cell transplantation (HM/HCT) patients are limited. Here, we describe our experience with the use of casirivimab-imdevimab or bamlanivimab for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in HM/HCT patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review at the University of Miami Hospital and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center for HM/HCT patients with COVID-19 who received casirivimab-imdevimab or bamlanivimab from November 21, 2020, to September 30, 2021. Outcomes measured were mortality, hospital admission, and infusion reaction to SARS-CoV-2-specific mAbs. RESULTS: We identified 59 HM/HCT patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 who received casirivimab-imdevimab or bamlanivimab. Median age was 57 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 45-65). Among the 59 patients, 25 (42%) received cellular therapy: 14 (24%) had undergone allogeneic HCT, nine (15%) autologous HCT, and two (3%) received chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. The median time from COVID-19 symptom onset to SARS-CoV-2-specific mAb administration was 4 (IQR: 3-6) days. Forty-six (78%) patients received SARS-CoV-2-specific mAbs as outpatients and 13 (22%) patients received SARS-CoV-2-specific mAbs during hospitalization. Among patients who received SARS-CoV-2-specific mAbs as outpatients, only four (9%) visited the emergency department at days 10, 11, 15, and 35 after SARS-CoV-2-specific mAb administration. None of these four patients required hospital admission. Among the hospitalized patients, five (38%) were admitted to the hospital with neutropenic fever, four (31%) were already hospitalized for transplantation and cellular therapy, three (23%) were admitted for monitoring of COVID-19 symptoms, and one (8%) was admitted with acute kidney injury. Three hospitalized patients (23%) died at 14, 35, and 59 days after SARS-CoV-2-specific mAb administration; two of these three deaths were attributed to COVID-19 infection. One patient developed an immediate infusion reaction to bamlanivimab, and no infusion reactions were reported to casirivimab-imdevimab use. CONCLUSION: During the alpha and delta variant surges, early administration of bamlanivimab or casirivimab-imdevimab prevented hospitalization and death when given in the outpatient setting. Among patients who received mAbs at or after hospital admission, the risk of COVID-19 disease progression and death remains significant. Larger studies of the use of mAb therapy to treat COVID-19 in this population are needed.

The effect of induction immunosuppression for kidney transplant on the latent HIV reservoir.

The HIV latent viral reservoir (LVR) remains a major challenge in the effort to find a cure for HIV. There is interest in lymphocyte-depleting agents, used in solid organ and bone marrow transplantation to reduce the LVR. This study evaluated the LVR and T cell receptor repertoire in HIV-infected kidney transplant recipients using intact proviral DNA assay and T cell receptor sequencing in patients receiving lymphocyte-depleting or lymphocyte-nondepleting immunosuppression induction therapy. CD4+ T cells and intact and defective provirus frequencies decreased following lymphocyte-depleting induction therapy but rebounded to near baseline levels within 1 year after induction. In contrast, these biomarkers were relatively stable over time in the lymphocyte-nondepleting group. The lymphocyte-depleting group had early TCRß repertoire turnover and newly detected and expanded clones compared with the lymphocyte-nondepleting group. No differences were observed in TCRß clonality and repertoire richness between groups. These findings suggest that, even with significant decreases in the overall size of the circulating LVR, the reservoir can be reconstituted in a relatively short period of time. These results, while from a relatively unique population, suggest that curative strategies aimed at depleting the HIV LVR will need to achieve specific and durable levels of HIV-infected T cell depletion.

Mycobacterium abscessus Infections in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: Single-Center Experience in the United States, 2013-2018.

Background: Mycobacterium abscessus is increasingly recognized as a human pathogen causing life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients. There is a paucity of data around this topic in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Methods: This work was a single-center retrospective cohort study of all SOT recipients with a positive culture for M abscessus between 2013 and 2018. Results: A total of 20 patients (55% female) met inclusion criteria, including 1 kidney recipient (5.0%), 2 liver recipients (10.0%), 12 lung recipients (60.0%), 1 heart recipient (5.0%), and 4 combined organ recipients (20.0%). The median time from SOT to infection was 100 days (range, 30-431 days). Thirteen (65.0%) patients (1 kidney, 1 heart, 7 lung, 1 liver, 1 intestine, and 2 multivisceral) were treated with a median duration of 185 antibiotic days (range, 20-523 days). Among them, M abscessus was isolated from respiratory samples in 8 and nonrespiratory samples in 5; 4 of 13 (30.8%) patients had treatment failure and 3 of 13 (23.1%) had unrelated deaths within 1 year after diagnosis. Seven patients (5 lung transplant recipients) with the organism isolated from respiratory samples were not treated as their cultures represented airway colonization or contamination; of those, 2 (28.6%) died (unrelated to infection) and 5 (71.4%) were alive without the infection after 1 year of follow-up. Conclusions: Mycobacterium abscessus infections affect SOT recipients with a high proportion of clinical failures. However, in lung recipients, not all positive cultures correlated with infection, and without treatment some patients had good clinical outcomes. Thus, differentiating colonization from infection is important, and infection prevention measures and novel therapeutic agents are needed for SOT recipients.

National Landscape of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Deceased Organ Donors in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Organ transplantation from donors with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to recipients with HIV (HIV D+/R+) presents risks of donor-derived infections. Understanding clinical, immunologic, and virologic characteristics of HIV-positive donors is critical for safety. METHODS: We performed a prospective study of donors with HIV-positive and HIV false-positive (FP) test results within the HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act in Action studies of HIV D+/R+ transplantation (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02602262, NCT03500315, and NCT03734393). We compared clinical characteristics in HIV-positive versus FP donors. We measured CD4 T cells, HIV viral load (VL), drug resistance mutations (DRMs), coreceptor tropism, and serum antiretroviral therapy (ART) detection, using mass spectrometry in HIV-positive donors. RESULTS: Between March 2016 and March 2020, 92 donors (58 HIV positive, 34 FP), representing 98.9% of all US HOPE donors during this period, donated 177 organs (131 kidneys and 46 livers). Each year the number of donors increased. The prevalence of hepatitis B (16% vs 0%), syphilis (16% vs 0%), and cytomegalovirus (CMV; 91% vs 58%) was higher in HIV-positive versus FP donors; the prevalences of hepatitis C viremia were similar (2% vs 6%). Most HIV-positive donors (71%) had a known HIV diagnosis, of whom 90% were prescribed ART and 68% had a VL <400 copies/mL. The median CD4 T-cell count (interquartile range) was 194/µL (77-331/µL), and the median CD4 T-cell percentage was 27.0% (16.8%-36.1%). Major HIV DRMs were detected in 42%, including nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (33%), integrase strand transfer inhibitors (4%), and multiclass (13%). Serum ART was detected in 46% and matched ART by history. CONCLUSION: The use of HIV-positive donor organs is increasing. HIV DRMs are common, yet resistance that would compromise integrase strand transfer inhibitor-based regimens is rare, which is reassuring regarding safety.

Successful Treatment of Disseminated Disease Due to Highly Resistant Aspergillus calidoustus with a Novel Antifungal Therapy.

Invasive aspergillosis is the most common invasive mold infection following a hematopoietic cell transplant. Widespread use of antifungal prophylaxis has led to the increasing incidence of cryptic Aspergillus species. Aspergillus calidoustus is one of those emerging species and is notorious for multidrug resistance to antifungals. Here, we report a case of disseminated A. calidoustus infection in a hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient who was successfully treated with combination therapy that included a novel antifungal.

Lower Incidence of Cytomegalovirus Reactivation Following Post-Transplantation Cyclophosphamide HLA-Mismatched Unrelated Donor Transplantation.

The use of haploidentical or HLA-mismatched unrelated donors (MMUD) allows allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in individuals without suitable matched donors. Post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) is used routinely for prevention of graft-versus-host disease in recipients of haploidentical transplants, and its use has been recently explored in MMUD transplantation. We compared the incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation and rate of lymphocyte recovery between PTCy MMUD and alternative transplantation modalities. Single-center retrospective study of 22 consecutive PTCy MMUD recipients transplanted between April 2017 and January 2019. Patients undergoing anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) MMUD (n = 37) and PTCy haploidentical transplantation (n = 19) between January 2015 and July 2018 served as historical controls. We assessed the incidence of CMV (any viremia) and clinically significant CMV reactivation (cs-CMVi; defined as CMV disease or CMV viremia leading to preemptive treatment) in these 3 groups. Immune reconstitution was assessed by absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) at days 30, 90, 180, and 360 after transplantation. Statistical analyses included Kaplan-Meier plots with a log-rank test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Fisher's exact test where appropriate, and logistic regression analyses. For PTCy MMUD, PTCy haploidentical and ATG MMUD groups, the 100-day and 200-day incidence of CMV (any viremia) were 41%, 63%, and 77% (P = .02), and 64%, 68%, and 86% (P = .049), respectively. The rate of cs-CMVi was also lower in PTCy MMUD compared to PTCy haploidentical and ATG MMUD (14% versus 53% and 54% at day 100 [P = .01] and 25% versus 53% and 58% at day 200 [P = .03]). There was a trend toward lower 200-day incidence of cs-CMVi in PTCy MMUD compared to ATG MMUD, even after excluding letermovir-treated patients from the analysis (25% versus 58% [P = .06]). The association between PTCy MMUD and lower risk of cs-CMVi remained significant even after adjusting for letermovir prophylaxis (odds ratio = 0.23, 95% confidence interval, 0.07-0.81 [P = .02]). Day 30 ALC was lower in PTCy MMUD compared to PTCy haploidentical and ATG MMUD (0.14, 0.33, 0.44 × 109/L, respectively [P = .005) but similar across groups at other time points. PTCy MMUD transplantation was associated with lower incidence of CMV events, independent of the use of CMV prophylaxis. Larger studies are needed.

Viral kinetics and outcomes of adenovirus viremia following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Adenovirus (AdV) is a serious infection following hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Little is known about AdV viral kinetics and optimal threshold for initiation of pre-emptive therapy. METHODS: Single-center retrospective study of 16 consecutive adult HCT recipients with detectable AdV identified over a 5-year period. RESULTS: Median time to AdV reactivation after HCT was 176 days (IQR 86-408). Nine patients received cidofovir, although 14/16 had no tissue-invasive disease. Among treated patients, median duration of viremia was shorter when initiating treatment at viral loads < 10,000 copies/ml (28 vs. 52 days). All-cause mortality in this cohort was 44%. All six patients (five of which were untreated) with peak viral loads < 10,000 copies/ml survived; whereas only 30% (3/10) of patients with peak viral loads greater than this threshold survived, despite most (n = 8; 80%) of them receiving cidofovir (P = .01). Three-month survival following diagnosis of AdV viremia was significantly lower with peak viremia > 10,000 copies/ml (100 vs. 17%; P = .005). CONCLUSION: AdV is associated with high all-cause mortality, especially for viremia > 10,000 copies/ml. Delaying therapy until viremia reaches AdV levels ≥10,000 copies/ml was associated with more protracted infection and poor outcomes. Larger studies are needed.

COVID-19 in solid organ transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of current literature.

Severe acute respiratory virus syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to a worldwide pandemic. Early studies in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients suggested a wide variety of presentations, however, there remains a paucity of robust data in this population. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of SOT recipients with SARS-CoV-2 infection from January 1st t October 9th, 2020. Pooled incidence of symptoms, treatments and outcomes were assessed. Two hundred and fifteen studies were included for systematic review and 60 for meta-analysis. We identified 2,772 unique SOT recipients including 1,500 kidney, 505 liver, 141 heart and 97 lung. Most common presenting symptoms were fever and cough in 70.2% and 63.8% respectively. Majority (81%) required hospital admission. Immunosuppressive medications, especially antimetabolites, were decreased in 76.2%. Hydroxychloroquine and interleukin six antagonists were administered in59.5% and 14.9% respectively, while only few patients received remdesivir and convalescent plasma. Intensive care unit admission was 29% from amongst hospitalized patients. Only few studies reported secondary infections. Overall mortality was 18.6%. Our analysis shows a high incidence of hospital admission in SOT recipients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. As management of SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve, long-term outcomes among SOT recipients should be assessed in future studies.

Discordance Between Radiologic Findings and Molecular Testing in Patients With Underlying Hematologic Malignancy and Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is associated with severe disease in patients with hematologic malignancy. We report a series of patients with underlying hematologic malignancy and coronavirus disease of 2019 with discrepancy between radiographic findings and molecular testing. Initial chest x-ray findings should raise suspicion in immunosuppressed patients with typical clinical presentation even with negative initial testing.

Kidney transplantation during coronavirus 2019 pandemic at a large hospital in Miami.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in more than 350 000 deaths worldwide. The number of kidney transplants has declined during the pandemic. We describe our deceased donor kidney transplantation (DDKT) experience during the pandemic. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the safety of DDKT during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple preventive measures were implemented. Adult patients that underwent DDKT from 3/1/20 to 4/30/20 were included. COVID-19 clinical manifestations from donors and recipients, and post-transplant outcomes (COVID-19 infections, readmissions, allograft rejection, and mortality) were obtained. The kidney transplant (KT) recipients were followed until 5/31/20. RESULTS: Seventy-six patients received kidneys from 57 donors. Fever, dyspnea, and cough were reported in 1, 2, and 1 donor, respectively. Thirty-eight (66.6%) donors were tested for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) prior to donation (mainly by nasopharyngeal or bronchoalveolar lavage polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) and 36 (47.3%) KT recipients were tested at the time of DDKT by nasopharyngeal PCR; all of these were negative. Our recipients were followed for a median of 63 (range: 33-91) days. A total of 42 (55.3%) recipients were tested post-transplant for SARS-CoV2 by nasopharyngeal PCR including 12 patients that became symptomatic; all tests were negative except for one that was inconclusive, but it was repeated and came back negative. Forty (52.6%) KT recipients were readmitted, and 7 (9.2%) had biopsy-proven rejection during the follow-up. None of the KT recipients transplanted during this period died. CONCLUSIONS: Our cohort demonstrated that DDKT can be safely performed during the COVID-19 pandemic when preventive measures are implemented.

Antimicrobial resistance and recurrent bacterial urinary tract infections in hospitalized patients following kidney transplantation: A single-center experience.

PURPOSE: The burden of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and risk factors for developing infections with multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs) post-kidney transplantation (KT) are poorly understood. METHODS: Single-center retrospective cohort study (January 2015-December 2017) evaluating first and recurrent episodes of bacteriuria and subsequent analysis of episodes caused by MDROs up to 6 months post-KT. Donor and recipient variables were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 743 adults underwent single KT during the study period, and 106 patients were hospitalized with bacteriuria. 45% were asymptomatic in their first episode. 73.6% had a single episode, and 26.4% had 2 or more episodes. A total of 28 patients had recurrent episodes; 64.3% had an MDRO on the first episode and 78.6% on the second episode. Escherichia coli was the most common organism isolated, 88.5% were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), 9.3% were extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers, and 38.1% were MDROs. Body mass index ≥30 was significantly associated with the presence of MDROs in both univariate and multivariate analyses (RR 1.37, 95% CI 1.01-1.88; OR 3.26, CI 1.29-8.25). A total of 12 donors had bacteremia or bacteriuria and 6 (50%) with E coli. A total of 10 KT recipients received antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent donor-derived infections. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that a significant proportion of patients develop recurrent bacteriuria post-transplantation; of those, more than half caused by MDROs. There is a possible association between obesity and MDROs in KT recipients that merits further investigation. With the global crisis in antimicrobial resistance, innovative strategies are needed to prevent and treat UTIs in KT patients.