The epidemiology of parainfluenza virus infection in lung transplant recipients

RA Vilchez, K McCurry, J Dauber… - Clinical infectious …, 2001 - academic.oup.com
RA Vilchez, K McCurry, J Dauber, A Iacono, R Keenan, A Zeevi, B Griffith, S Kusne
Clinical infectious diseases, 2001academic.oup.com
Human parainfluenza virus (HPIV) is a common cause of seasonal respiratory tract
infections. However, little is known about the clinical presentation and impact of HPIV
infections in lung transplant recipients. We reviewed HPIV infections at the University of
Pittsburgh Medical Center. From January 1990 through May 2000, 32 cases of HPIV
infection were identified. HPIV infection was found in 24 lung transplant recipients (75%), all
of whom were included in the study group. Diagnosis was established at a median of 2.1 …
Abstract
Human parainfluenza virus (HPIV) is a common cause of seasonal respiratory tract infections. However, little is known about the clinical presentation and impact of HPIV infections in lung transplant recipients. We reviewed HPIV infections at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. From January 1990 through May 2000, 32 cases of HPIV infection were identified. HPIV infection was found in 24 lung transplant recipients (75%), all of whom were included in the study group. Diagnosis was established at a median of 2.1 years after transplantation (range, 0.6–5 years). Presenting symptoms included cough (17 patients), shortness of breath (16), and temperature elevation (4). Respiratory failure occurred in 5 patients (21%). The HPIV serotypes were HPIV-1 (7 patients), HPIV-2 (2), and HPIV-3 (15 [63%]). Twenty-two patients underwent transbronchial biopsy, and 18 (82%) showed signs of acute allograft rejection. Seven patients (32%) subsequently were found to have bronchiolitis obliterans.
Oxford University Press