Current management of SARS-CoV-2 infection in solid organ transplant recipients: Experience derived from an ESGICH-ESOT survey.

OBJECTIVE: Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients have a poorer SARS-CoV-2 vaccine response and higher risk for COVID-19-associated complications. However, there is no consensus on the current management of COVID-19 and data on persistent COVID-19 rates in SOT recipients are lacking. METHODS: An electronic survey concerning the management of COVID-19 in SOT recipients was distributed among all members of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) Study Group for Infections in Compromised Hosts (ESGICH) and of the European Society for Organ Transplantation (ESOT). Four major sections were covered: prevention, early COVID-19, late COVID-19, and persistent COVID-19. We developed a structured questionnaire including eight multiple-choice questions with branching logic in case of positive answers and three open-ended questions related to clinical practice. Questions were asked separately for lung and non-lung transplantation. RESULTS: Thirty-two physicians from 24 different centers participated. Most answers (n = 30) were provided by European physicians. Thirty of 32 (93.75%) physicians managed non-lung transplant recipients and 12 of 32 (33.3%) lung transplant recipients. There was a huge variability in practice regarding the treatment of COVID-19, and particularly noticeable when considering lung and non-lung transplant recipients. Main discordances included the use of nirmatrelvir alone or in combination therapy for early COVID-19, the use of immunomodulatory drugs other than steroids for late COVID-19, and the need for treating asymptomatic viral shedding in persistent COVID-19. There was more similarity in terms of prophylaxis recommendations. CONCLUSION: Despite a low number of respondents, this survey shows that there are many differences on how experts manage SARS-CoV-2 infections in SOT recipients.

Donor-derived carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacterial infections in solid organ transplant recipients: Active surveillance enhances recipient safety.

Donor-derived infections (DDIs) caused by carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria (CR-GNB) in solid organ transplant recipients are potentially life-threatening. In this prospective study, we evaluated the incidence, factors associated with transmission, and the outcome of recipients with unexpected CR-GNB DDIs after the implementation of our local active surveillance system (LASS). LASS provides for early detection of unexpected donor CR-GNB infections, prophylaxis of recipients at high risk, and early diagnosis and treatment of DDIs. Whole genome sequencing confirmed DDI. Among 791 recipients, 38 (4.8%) were at high risk of unexpected CR-GNB DDI: 25 for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and 13 for carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB). Transmission did not occur in 27 (71%) cases, whereas DDIs occurred in 9 of 25 of CRE and 2 of 13 of CRAB cases. Incidence of CR-GNB DDI was 1.4%. Recipients of organs with CR-GNB-positive preservation fluid and liver recipients from a donor with CRE infection were at the highest risk of DDI. There was no difference in length of hospital stay or survival in patients with and without CR-GNB DDI. Our LASS contains transmission and mitigates the negative impacts of CR-GNB DDI. Under well-defined conditions, organs from donors with CR-GNB may be considered after a thorough evaluation of the risk/benefit profile.

Efficacy of Tixagevimab-Cilgavimab as Immunoprophylaxis in Patients With Hematologic Cancer.

This cohort study compares outcomes for patients with hematologic malignant tumors who prophylactically received tixagevimab-cilgavimab against SARS-CoV-2 with those who did not.

Dalbavancin real-life utilization among diabetic patients suffering from infections in Italy and Spain: The DALBADIA retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To retrospectively describe the patterns of use of dalbavancin for treating infections in diabetic patients in Italian and Spanish standard clinical practice. METHODS: DALBADIA [NCT04959799] was a multicentre, observational, retrospective cohort study, conducted in Italy and Spain. The study enrolled 97 adults with type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus, treated with dalbavancin as per standard clinical practice for a Gram-positive bacterial infection or the Gram-positive component of a mixed infection. RESULTS: Dalbavancin was used to treat cellulitis (18/92 patients, 19.6%), followed by prosthetic joint infection (14 patients, 15.2%), endocarditis (13 patients, 14.1%), and primary bacteraemia (10 patients, 10.9%); 78/92 (84.8%) patients had Gram-positive infections only, and 14 (15.2%) had mixed infections. The most frequently isolated microorganisms were Staphylococcus aureus in 43 (55.8% of the patients with microbial isolation), 25.6% of which methicillin-resistant; Staphylococcus epidermidis in 13 (16.9%), 53.8% of which methicillin-resistant; Enterococcus faecalis in 11 (14.3%). The main reason for the dalbavancin choice was the intent to simplify the antibiotic regimen (81.5% of cases). A multidisciplinary team participated in the treatment choice process for 53 (57.6%) patients. Dalbavancin was given as first-line antibiotic in 34 (37.0%) patients and administered as one infusion in 32 (34.8%), and as two infusions in 39 (42.4%). In total, 57/62 (91.9%) eligible patients with available assessment were judged clinically cured or improved at the end of observation. CONCLUSION: In clinical practice, dalbavancin was used in diabetic patients to treat ABSSSIs and other difficult-to-treat infections with a favourable safety profile and a high rate of positive clinical responses.

Recent advances in cytomegalovirus infection management in solid organ transplant recipients.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) continues to be the most important infectious complication following solid organ transplantation (SOT). RECENT FINDINGS: Universal prophylaxis and preemptive therapy are the most adopted strategies for prevention of CMV disease globally. Prophylaxis with valganciclovir is the most widely used approach to CMV prevention, however leukopenia and late onset CMV disease after discontinuation of prophylaxis requires new strategies to prevent this complication. The use of assays detecting CMV-specific T cell-mediated immunity may individualize the duration of antiviral prophylaxis after transplantation. Letermovir has been recently approved for prophylaxis in kidney transplant recipients. CMV-RNAemia used together with CMV-DNAemia in the viral surveillance of CMV infection provides accurate information on viral load kinetics, mostly in patients receiving letermovir prophylaxis/therapy. The development of refractory and resistant CMV infection remains a major challenge and a new treatment with maribavir is currently available. In the present paper we will review the most recent advances in prevention and treatment of CMV diseases in SOT recipients. SUMMARY: Recent findings, summarized in the present paper, may be useful to optimize prevention and treatment of CMV infection in SOT.

Cytokine storm and severe hepatitis in pregnancy due to herpes simplex virus 2.

CASE PRESENTATION: A pregnant woman developed hepatitis due to a herpes simplex virus 2 primary infection with a severe systemic inflammatory response. Treatment with acyclovir and human immunoglobulin was given and both mother and baby survived. PURPOSE: We provide the first description of the inflammatory response associated with herpetic hepatitis in pregnancy.

How to tailor recommendations on the treatment of multi-drug resistant Gram-negative infections at country level integrating antibiotic stewardship principles within the GRADE-ADOLOPMENT framework.

Promoting the optimal use of antibiotics through evidence-based recommendations should be regarded as a crucial step in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance. Within this scope, several guidelines and guidance documents for antibiotic therapy have been published in recent years. All documents underline the limitations of existing evidence and remark on the need for tailoring recommendations at the national level, based on local epidemiology, availability of diagnostics and drugs, and antimicrobial stewardship principles. The GRADE-ADOLOPMENT methodology is an evidence-based methodology that allows the adoption, adaptation, and update of existing recommendations to specific settings without performing de novo systematic reviews and grading of the evidence. However, procedures to integrate this evidence with stewardship principles, countries' surveillance data, and capacity in terms of diagnostics and antibiotics' availability have never been defined. This Personal View provides the first example of a country's calibration of international evidence-based guidance documents on treating infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. A panel of experts convened by the Italian Medicine Agency (AIFA) used the GRADE methodology for systematically extracting and evaluating 100 recommendations on the treatment of infections due to multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria from 11 guidance documents and 24 systematic reviews. The ADOLOPMENT procedure was used to calibrate the existing recommendations to the national context, leading to the adoption of 64, the adaptation of 27, and the rejection of nine recommendations. We discuss the technical details of the GRADE-ADOLOPMENT application, the calibration process, and the human resources required to support such an effort. This Personal View also covers the challenges of integrating antibiotic stewardship principles in evidence-based recommendations for treating infections with very limited therapeutic and diagnostic options. The details presented here could support the easy transferability of the methodology to other countries and settings, particularly where the incidence of antibiotic-resistant infections is high.

Skin and soft tissue infections in solid organ transplants.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients may be a great challenge for clinicians caring for SOT due to the involvement of both common and opportunistic pathogens associated with a blunted immune response. The purpose of this review is to outline current literature and describe open issues on the management of SSTI in this special population. RECENT FINDINGS: Clinical presentation in SOT recipients can manifest as isolated skin lesions after primary inoculation or be the sign of a disseminated infection. Tissue samples for microscopy and histopathology are crucial to making an accurate diagnosis given the nonspecific and heterogeneous appearance of skin lesions. Multidisciplinary teams are required for a comprehensive diagnosis and management. SUMMARY: SSTI are frequent contributors to morbidity and mortality in SOT. Specific research focused on the clinical presentation, risk factors and management in this special population is needed.

Antibody response and risk of reinfection over 2 years among the patients with first wave of COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the dynamics and factors related to natural and hybrid humoral response against the SARS-CoV-2 and risk of reinfection among first-wave patients. METHODS: A prospective longitudinal study with periodic serological follow-up after acute onset of all recovered patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection cared in Udine Hospital (March-May 2020). Nucleocapsid (N) protein and spike receptor-binding domain (S-RBD) antibody tests were used to distinguish natural and vaccine-induced response. RESULTS: Overall, 153 patients (66 men, mean age 56 years) were followed for a median of 27.3 (interquartile range 26.9-27.8) months. Seroreversion was 98.5% (95% CI: 96.8-99.4) for SARS-CoV-2-N IgM at 1 year and 57.4% (95% CI: 51.5-63.5) for SARS-CoV-2-N IgG at 2 years. Initial serological response (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.99-0.99, p 0.002 for IgM and HR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.97-0.98, p < 0.001 for IgG) and severity of acute infection (HR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.39-0.96, p 0.033 for IgM and HR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.37-0.99, p < 0.001 for IgG) were independently associated with persistent SARS-CoV-2-N IgM/IgG response. Older age and smoker status were associated with long-term SARS-CoV-2-N IgM and SARS-CoV-2-N IgG, respectively (HR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.57-0.98, p 0.038; HR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.19-2.61, p 0.004 respectively). All patients maintained SARS-CoV-2-S-RBD IgG response at 24-month follow-up. Reinfections occurred in 25 of 153 (16.3%) patients, mostly during the omicron circulation. Reinfection rates did not differ significantly between SARS-CoV-2-N IgG seronegative and seropositive patients (14/89, 15.7% vs. 10/62, 16.1%, p 0.947). Unvaccinated patients had higher risk of reinfection (4/7, 57.1% vs. vaccinated 21/146, 14.4%, p 0.014). DISCUSSION: First-wave patients had durable natural humoral immunity in 40% and anti-S-RBD response in 100% up to 2 years after infection. Natural humoral response alone was not protective against reinfections with omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants, whereas vaccination was effective to reduce the risk of a new infection.

Efficacy and Safety of Reparixin in Patients with Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study.

INTRODUCTION: Polymorphonuclear cell influx into the interstitial and bronchoalveolar spaces is a cardinal feature of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), principally mediated by interleukin-8 (IL-8). We sought to determine whether reparixin, a novel IL-8 pathway inhibitor, could reduce disease progression in patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. METHODS: In this Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study, hospitalized adult patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia were randomized 2:1 to receive oral reparixin 1200 mg three times daily or placebo for up to 21 days or until hospital discharge. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients alive and free of respiratory failure at Day 28, with key secondary endpoints being the proportion of patients free of respiratory failure at Day 60, incidence of intensive care unit (ICU) admission by Day 28 and time to recovery by Day 28. RESULTS: Of 279 patients randomized, 182 received at least one dose of reparixin and 88 received placebo. The proportion of patients alive and free of respiratory failure at Day 28 was similar in the two groups {83.5% versus 80.7%; odds ratio 1.63 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.75, 3.51]; p = 0.216}. There were no statistically significant differences in the key secondary endpoints, but a numerically higher proportion of patients in the reparixin group were alive and free of respiratory failure at Day 60 (88.7% versus 84.6%; p = 0.195), fewer required ICU admissions by Day 28 (15.8% versus 21.7%; p = 0.168), and a higher proportion recovered by Day 28 compared with placebo (81.6% versus 74.9%; p = 0.167). Fewer patients experienced adverse events with reparixin than placebo (45.6% versus 54.5%), most mild or moderate intensity and not related to study treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This trial did not meet the primary efficacy endpoints, yet reparixin showed a trend toward limiting disease progression as an add-on therapy in COVID-19 severe pneumonia and was well tolerated. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04878055, EudraCT: 2020-005919-51.

Donor-derived infections in solid organ transplant recipients.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The potential for transmission of donor-derived infections (DDIs) is impossible to eliminate, but a thoughtful and systematic approach to donor evaluation can mitigate the risk. Prevention is a key issue and clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion and remain vigilant in staying up to date on emerging infections. COVID-19 and Monkeypox have represented a new challenge for infectious disease screening and recommendations have been evolving, as knowledge in the field has grown. Additional considerations for pretransplant deceased donor screening include testing for neglected and endemic infectious diseases such as strongyloidiasis and HTLV 1/2. Molecular diagnostic tests have improved awareness on pathogenicity of mollicutes and fungi in the setting of DDIs. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the most recent literature on DDI with a special focus on these emerging hot topics. RECENT FINDINGS: Donor screening for uncommon pathogens must be guided by knowledge of changing epidemiology of infectious disease and availability of new diagnostic methods. SUMMARY: Appropriate screening, early recognition, timely reporting, close monitoring, and appropriate management are essential to help reducing the risk of emerging DDIs.

Post-COVID-19 Syndrome 2 Years After the First Wave: The Role of Humoral Response, Vaccination and Reinfection.

Background: The aim of this study was to describe the long-term evolution of post-COVID-19 syndrome over 2 years after the onset of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in survivors of the first wave. Methods: This prospective study was based on interviews and investigated post-COVID-19 syndrome 6, 12, and 24 months after the disease onset in all adult in- and outpatients with COVID-19 followed at Udine Hospital (Italy) during the first wave (March-May 2020). Humoral response, vaccination status, and reinfection were assessed. Results: Overall, 230 patients (53.5% female; mean age 54.7 years) were interviewed 2.3 years (standard deviation = 0.11) after acute onset. Post-COVID-19 syndrome was observed in 36.1% of patients (n = 83) at 2 years. The most common persistent symptoms were fatigue (14.4%), rheumatological (14.4%), and psychiatric symptoms (9.6%). Overall, 55.4% (46 of 83) of long haulers searched for healthcare system support and 21 (45.7%) were visited by a specialist. Female gender (odds ratio [OR] = 2.50, P = .005), a proportional increase in the number of symptoms during acute COVID-19 (OR = 1.40, P = .001), and the presence of comorbidities (OR = 1.57, P = .004) were all independent risk factors for post-COVID-19 syndrome. Vaccination and reinfection had no impact on post-COVID-19 syndrome dynamics. The presence of receptor-binding domain (RBD) SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) and non-RBD SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers were not associated with the occurrence of post-COVID-19 syndrome. Conclusions: Two years after COVID-19, the burden of persistent symptoms remains high among in- and outpatients' population infected during the first wave. Post-COVID-19 dynamic does not seem to be influenced by SARS-CoV-2 immunization status and reinfection.

Phaeohyphomycosis in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Case Series and Narrative Review of the Literature.

Phaeohyphomycosis comprises a variety of infections caused by pigmented fungi. Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are particularly at risk of invasive infections due to their prolonged immunosuppression. Here, we describe three cases of phaeohyphomycosis in SOT recipients who were successfully treated with surgical excision and/or antifungal therapy. We additionally carried out a narrative review of the literature on phaeohyphomycosis in 94 SOT recipients from 66 published studies describing 40 different species of fungi. The most reported fungus was Alternaria (21%). The median time from transplant to diagnosis was 18 months (IQR 8.25-48), and kidney transplants were the most reported. Antifungal regimens were not homogeneous, though there was a prevalence of itraconazole- and voriconazole-based treatments. Clinical outcomes included recovery in 81% and death in 5% of infected SOT recipients. Susceptibility testing was done in 26.6% of the cases, with heterogeneous results due to the variety of species isolated. While the wide diversity of dematiaceous fungi and their host range make it difficult to offer a uniform approach for phaeohyphomycosis, an early diagnosis and therapy are critical in preventing the dissemination of disease in the immunocompromised host.

Prevention and treatment of recurrent cellulitis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Recurrent cellulitis is a challenging clinical condition affecting up to 47% of patients after the first episode, especially those with predisposing risk factors. The purpose of this review is to describe the state of the art of literature evidence and to highlight recent developments in its management. RECENT FINDINGS: Recurrent cellulitis can occur after successful treatment of cellulitis. Conditions that commonly increase the risk of cellulitis include local and systemic modifiable and nonmodifiable factors. A rigorous approach to the management of risk factors and treatment of acute infection is important as the risk of recurrence rises with repeated episodes. Risk factors, if present, need to be targeted in association with antibiotic prophylaxis. Penicillin V is the preferred antibiotic for prevention but other antibiotics and new drugs can be considered in cases of ß-lactam allergy, intolerance, or failure. SUMMARY: Recurrent cellulitis is associated with short term and long-term morbidity as well as significant healthcare costs. Management of underlying predisposing conditions is crucial to prevent recurrence in addition with evaluation of pharmacological measures, but specialized and multidisciplinary skills are needed. More efforts are needed to prevent and treat this underestimated problem.

Multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales infections in abdominal solid organ transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Transplant recipients are highly susceptible to multidrug-resistant (MDR) related infections. The lack of early appropriate antimicrobial treatment may contribute to the high mortality due to MDR-related infections in transplant recipients especially in case of metallo-ß-lactamases. OBJECTIVES: In this review, we present the current state of knowledge concerning multidrug-resistant Gram negative bacilli's risk management in the care of solid-organ transplant recipients and suggest control strategies. SOURCES: We searched for studies treating MDR g-negative bacilli related infections in the renal and hepatic transplant patient population. We included randomized and observational studies. CONTENT: Solid-organ transplant is the best therapeutic option for patients diagnosed with end-stage organ disease. While the incidence of opportunistic infections is decreasing due to better prevention, the burden of "classical" infections related to MDR bacteria especially related to Gram-negative bacteria is constantly increasing. Over the last two decades, various MDR pathogens have emerged as a relevant cause of infection in this specific population associated with significant mortality. Several factors related to the management of transplant donor candidates and recipients increase the risk of MDR infections in transplant recipients. The awareness of this high susceptibility of transplant recipients to MDR-related infections challenges the choice of empirical therapy, while its appropriateness can only be validated a posteriori. Indeed, the lack of early appropriate antimicrobial treatment may contribute to the high mortality due to MDR-related infections in transplant recipients especially in case of metallo-ß-lactamases. IMPLICATIONS: Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria are associated with high morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant recipients. It seems important to identify patients at risk of colonization/MDR bacteria to evaluate strategies to limit the risk of secondary infections and to minimize the inappropriate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Clinical evidence supporting cefiderol for serious Acinetobacter baumannii infections.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Nosocomial infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii currently represent a serious challenge for clinicians because treatment options are limited and frequently associated with significant toxicity. Cefiderocol is a first-in-class siderophore cephalosporin that has a proven efficacy for the treatment of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections, including carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii. The aim of this review is to evaluate the current evidence for the role of cefiderocol in the management of A. baumannii infections. RECENT FINDINGS: In this review, we briefly summarize the available data on the efficacy (from randomized controlled trials) and on effectiveness and cure rates (from observational studies), pertaining to the use of cefiderocol for treatment of serious A. baumannii infections. SUMMARY: Cefiderocol represents a promising and safe antibiotic option for treating patients with carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii infections. Due to conflicting mortality data from available experience, well-designed future randomized controlled trials and real-life studies are needed.

Cytomegalovirus in the transplant setting: Where are we now and what happens next? A report from the International CMV Symposium 2021.

The CMV Symposium in September 2021 was an international conference dedicated to cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This review provides an overview of the presentations given by the expert faculty, supplemented with educational clinical cases. Topics discussed include CMV epidemiology and diagnosis, the burden of CMV infection and disease, CMV-specific immunity and management of CMV in transplant settings. Major advances in the prevention and treatment of CMV in the past decade and increased understanding of CMV immunity have led to improved patient outcomes. In the future, management algorithms may be individualized based on the transplant recipient's immune profile, which will mark the start of a new era for patients with CMV.

SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Solid-Organ Transplant Recipients.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed significant global challenges for solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Mortality rates of COVID-19 in this patient population remain high, despite new available therapeutic options and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination. Priority access to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for waitlisted candidates and for SOT patients and their family members is recommended since the advantage from vaccination reduces the risk of COVID-19-related complications. However, immunogenicity and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines are lower in waitlisted candidates and SOT recipients than in the general population. Routine systematic assessment of humoral and cellular immune responses after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is controversial, although highly recommended for investigation and improvement of knowledge. SOT recipients should continue to adhere to preventive protective measures despite vaccination and may undergo passive antibody prophylaxis. This article seeks to provide an update on SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and preventive measures in SOT recipients based on existing literature and international guidelines.

Perioperative antibiotic stewardship in the organ transplant setting.

BACKGROUND: Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients can benefit from traditional antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) activities directed to improve judicious perioperative prescribing and management, but evidence is lacking. The aim of this expert opinion review is to provide an update on the current landscape of application of AMS practices for optimization of perioperative prophylaxis (PP). METHODS: We reviewed the available literature on early postoperative infectious complications in SOT and PP management, on modified perioperative approaches in case of infection or colonization in recipients and donors and on AMS in transplantation PP. RESULTS: SOT recipients are at high risk for early postoperative infectious complications due to the complexity of surgical procedures, severity of end stage organ disease, net state of immunosuppression in the posttransplant period and to the high risk for multidrug resistant organism. Moreover, SOT may be exposed to preservation fluid infections and expected or unexpected donor-derived infections. We summarize main factors to take into account when prescribing transplant PP. CONCLUSION: Creating personalized PP to avoid unwanted consequences of antimicrobials while improving outcomes is an emerging and critical aspect in SOT setting. Further studies are needed to offer best PP tailored to SOT type and to evaluate interventions efficacy and safety.

Cytomegalovirus Management in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Pre-COVID-19 Survey From the Working Group of the European Society for Organ Transplantation.

Infections are leading causes of morbidity/mortality following solid organ transplantation (SOT) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) is among the most frequent pathogens, causing a considerable threat to SOT recipients. A survey was conducted 19 July-31 October 2019 to capture clinical practices about CMV in SOT recipients (e.g., how practices aligned with guidelines, how adequately treatments met patients' needs, and respondents' expectations for future developments). Transplant professionals completed a ∼30-minute online questionnaire: 224 responses were included, representing 160 hospitals and 197 SOT programs (41 countries; 167[83%] European programs). Findings revealed a heterogenous approach to CMV diagnosis and management and, sometimes, significant divergence from international guidelines. Valganciclovir prophylaxis (of variable duration) was administered by 201/224 (90%) respondents in D+/R- SOT and by 40% in R+ cases, with pre-emptive strategies generally reserved for R+ cases: DNA thresholds to initiate treatment ranged across 10-10,000 copies/ml. Ganciclovir-resistant CMV strains were still perceived as major challenges, and tailored treatment was one of the most important unmet needs for CMV management. These findings may help to design studies to evaluate safety and efficacy of new strategies to prevent CMV disease in SOT recipients, and target specific educational activities to harmonize CMV management in this challenging population.