Incidence of valganciclovir-related leukopenia and neutropenia in solid organ transplant recipients at high risk of cytomegalovirus disease.

BACKGROUND: Valganciclovir (VGCV) prophylaxis is associated with an increased risk of hematologic side effects. We analyzed the impact of VGCV prophylaxis on leukopenia and neutropenia rates and explored risk factors for its occurrence. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of adult cytomegalovirus (CMV)-seronegative solid organ transplantation (SOT) recipients of either CMV-seropositive (CMV D+/R-) or CMV-seronegative (CMV D-/R-) donors between July 2005 and March 2019. CMV D+/R- SOT recipients received 3-12 months of VGCV prophylaxis whereas CMV D-/R- SOT recipients received no VGCV prophylaxis. Competing risk regression was used to calculate risk factors for significant neutropenia (neutrophil count < 1000/µL). RESULTS: A total of 430 CMV-seronegative SOT recipients (median age of 52.1 years, 76.5% males) were included, of which 203 (47.2%) were CMV D+/R- and 227 (52.8%) CMV D-/R-. The unadjusted incidence rate ratio of significant neutropenia attributable to VGCV exposure in the first year post-transplant was 13.50 (95% confidence interval 7.36-27.11). Acute rejection occurred more frequently in neutropenic patients at 32.5% compared to 19.1% in those without neutropenia (p = .033). On multivariate analysis, VGCV prophylaxis for 1-90 days and 91-180 days versus no VGCV were the strongest risk factors for significant neutropenia with a sub-distribution hazard ratio of 39.6 (95% CI, 8.57-182.6) and 13.2 (95% CI, 5.46-32.0), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: VGCV prophylaxis is limited by high rates of neutropenia. Future prospective studies are needed to assess alternative CMV prophylactic strategies in SOT recipients.

Severe hypercalcemia as a result of disseminated Candida krusei infection.

Candida krusei disseminated infection is a rare complication of protracted neutropenia. Herein, we report a case of a 31-year-old male with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia who developed Candida krusei fungemia with cutaneous, ocular, splenic, renal, bone marrow and osseous involvement leading to severe hypercalcemia, treated with parenteral antifungals followed by oral ibrexafungerp.

Impact of recipient age on mortality among Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-seronegative lung transplant recipients with CMV-seropositive donors.

BACKGROUND: Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-seronegative lung transplant recipients (LTRs) with seropositive donors (CMV D+/R-) have the highest mortality of all CMV serostatuses. Due to immunosenescence and other factors, we hypothesized CMV D+/R- status might disproportionately impact older LTRs. Thus, we investigated whether recipient age modified the relationship between donor CMV status and mortality among CMV-seronegative LTRs. METHODS: Adult, CMV-seronegative first-time lung-only recipients were identified through the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients between May 2005 and December 2019. We used adjusted multivariable Cox regression to assess the relationship of donor CMV status and death. Interaction between recipient age and donor CMV was assessed via likelihood ratio testing of nested Cox models and by the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) and attributable proportion (AP) of joint effects. RESULTS: We identified 11,136 CMV-seronegative LTRs. The median age was 59 years; 65.2% were male, with leading transplant indication of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (35.6%); and 60.8% were CMV D+/R-. In multivariable modeling, CMV D+/R- status was associated with 27% increased hazard of death (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.27, 95% confidence interval: 1.21-1.34) compared to CMV D-/R-. Recipient age ≥60 years significantly modified the relationship between donor CMV-seropositive status and mortality on the additive scale, including RERI 0.24 and AP 11.4% (p = 0.001), that is, the interaction increased hazard of death by 0.24 and explained 11.4% of mortality in older CMV D+ recipients. CONCLUSIONS: Among CMV-seronegative LTRs, donor CMV-seropositive status confers higher risk of posttransplant mortality, which is amplified in older recipients. Future studies should define optimal strategies for CMV prevention and management in older D+/R- LTRs.

SARS-CoV-2 Variants Omicron BA.4/5 and XBB.1.5 Significantly Escape T Cell Recognition in Solid-organ Transplant Recipients Vaccinated Against the Ancestral Strain.

BACKGROUND: Immune-suppressed solid-organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) display impaired humoral responses to COVID-19 vaccination, but T cell responses are incompletely understood. SARS-CoV-2 variants Omicron BA.4/5 (BA.4/5) and XBB.1.5 escape neutralization by antibodies induced by vaccination or infection with earlier strains, but T cell recognition of these lineages in SOTRs is unclear. METHODS: We characterized Spike-specific T cell responses to ancestral SARS-CoV-2 and BA.4/5 peptides in 42 kidney, liver, and lung transplant recipients throughout a 3- or 4-dose ancestral Spike mRNA vaccination schedule. As the XBB.1.5 variant emerged during the study, we tested vaccine-induced T cell responses in 10 additional participants using recombinant XBB.1.5 Spike protein. Using an optimized activation-induced marker assay, we quantified circulating Spike-specific CD4 + and CD8 +  T cells based on antigen-stimulated expression of CD134, CD69, CD25, CD137, and/or CD107a. RESULTS: Vaccination strongly induced SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells, including BA.4/5- and XBB.1.5-reactive T cells, which remained detectable over time and further increased following a fourth dose. However, responses to BA.4/5 (1.34- to 1.67-fold lower) XBB.1.5 (2.0- to 18-fold lower) were significantly reduced in magnitude compared with ancestral strain responses. CD4 + responses correlated with anti-receptor-binding domain antibodies and predicted subsequent antibody responses in seronegative individuals. Lung transplant recipients receiving prednisone and older adults displayed weaker responses. CONCLUSIONS: Ancestral strain vaccination stimulates BA.4/5 and XBB.1.5-cross-reactive T cells in SOTRs, but at lower magnitudes. Antigen-specific T cells can predict future antibody responses. Our data support monitoring both humoral and cellular immunity in SOTRs to track COVID-19 vaccine immunogenicity against emerging variants.

Plasmodium knowlesi Infection in Traveler Returning to Canada from the Philippines, 2023.

A 55-year-old man sought treatment for an uncomplicated febrile illness after returning to Canada from the Philippines. A suspected diagnosis of Plasmodium knowlesi infection was confirmed by PCR, and treatment with atovaquone/proguanil brought successful recovery. We review the evolving epidemiology of P. knowlesi malaria in the Philippines, specifically within Palawan Island.

Immunogenicity, Safety, and Breakthrough Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infections After Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination in Organ Transplant Recipients: A Prospective Multicenter Canadian Study.

Background: Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are at risk for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), despite vaccination. Our study aimed to elucidate COVID-19 vaccine immunogenicity and evaluate adverse events such as hospitalization, rejection, and breakthrough infection in a SOT cohort. Methods: We performed a prospective, observational study on 539 adult SOT recipients (age ≥18 years old) recruited from 7 Canadian transplant centers. Demographics including transplant characteristics, vaccine types, and immunosuppression and events such as hospitalization, infection, and rejection were recorded. Follow ups occurred every 4-6 weeks postvaccination and at 6 and 12 months from first dose. Serum was processed from whole blood to measure anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) antibodies of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein to assess immunogenicity. Results: The COVID-19 vaccines were found to be safe in SOT recipients with low rates of rejection requiring therapy (0.7%). Immunogenicity improved after the third vaccine dose, yet 21% developed no anti-RBD response. Factors such as older age, lung transplantation, chronic kidney disease, and shorter duration from transplant were associated with decreased immunogenicity. Patients with at least 3 doses were protected from hospitalization when experiencing breakthrough infections. Significantly increased anti-RBD levels were observed in patients who received 3 doses and had breakthrough infection. Conclusions: Three or four doses of COVID-19 vaccines were safe, increased immunogenicity, and protected against severe disease requiring hospitalization. Infection paired with multiple vaccinations significantly increased anti-RBD response. However, SOT populations should continue to practice infection prevention measures, and they should be prioritized for SARS-CoV-2 pre-exposure prophylactics and early therapeutics.

Transplantid.net: A Pilot Crowdsourced, Living, Online Library of Resources for the Teaching and Practice of Transplant Infectious Diseases.

The field of transplant infectious diseases is rapidly evolving, presenting a challenge for clinical practice and trainee education. Here we describe the construction of transplantid.net, a free online library, crowdsourced and continuously updated for the dual purpose of point-of-care evidence-based management and teaching.

Omicron BA.4/5 Neutralization and T-Cell Responses in Organ Transplant Recipients After Booster Messenger RNA Vaccine: A Multicenter Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: In solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, the primary vaccination series against Coronavirus Disease 2019 is 3 doses followed by boosters. We determined whether a fourth dose booster induced Omicron BA.4/5 neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) and T cells in a large multicenter cohort study. METHODS: Serum was collected 4-6 weeks post-third and post-fourth doses of messenger RNA vaccine in 222 SOT recipients. nAbs were measured using a pseudovirus neutralization assay that targeted the Omicron BA.4/5 spike protein. A subset underwent T-cell testing. RESULTS: The median age of the cohort was 63 years (interquartile range [IQR], 50-68) with 61.7% men. BA.4/5 nAb detection increased from 26.6% (59 of 222) post-third dose to 53.6% (119 of 222) post-fourth dose (P < .0001). In patients with breakthrough infection prior to the fourth dose (n = 27), nAbs were detected in 77.8% and median nAb titers were significantly higher compared with those with 4 vaccine doses alone (P < .0001). Factors associated with a low BA.4/5 neutralization response after the fourth dose were older age (odds ratio [OR], 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], .94-.99), mycophenolate use (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, .20-.77) and prednisone use (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, .18-.63), and vaccine type (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, .51-.99), while breakthrough infection prior to the fourth dose (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.3-9.9) was associated with a greater nAb response. Polyfunctional BA.4/5-specific CD4+ T cells significantly increased after 4 doses and were identified in 76.9% of patients at a median frequency of 213/106 cells (IQR, 98-650). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, a booster significantly increases BA.4/5-specific neutralization and polyfunctional CD4+ T-cell responses, suggesting protection from severe disease even with new Omicron variants. However, SOT recipients who are older and on mycophenolate and prednisone need additional preventative strategies.

A young woman with persistent sore throat, Epstein-Barr virus, lymphadenopathy, and aberrant CD4 + CD7- T-cells.

A young woman with persistent EBV viremia and lymphocytosis had an abnormal CD4- T cell population with aberrant loss of CD7. She had a diagnosis of chronic active EBV (CAEBV), a lymphoproliferative disorder for which she ultimately required allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Risk Factors for Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Multinational Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Risk factors for nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections after solid organ transplant (SOT) are not well characterized. Here we aimed to describe these factors. METHODS: Retrospective, multinational, 1:2 matched case-control study that included SOT recipients ≥12 years old diagnosed with NTM infection from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2018. Controls were matched on transplanted organ, NTM treatment center, and post-transplant survival greater than or equal to the time to NTM diagnosis. Logistic regression on matched pairs was used to assess associations between risk factors and NTM infections. RESULTS: Analyses included 85 cases and 169 controls (59% male, 88% White, median age at time of SOT of 54 years [interquartile range {IQR} 40-62]). NTM infection occurred in kidney (42%), lung (35%), heart and liver (11% each), and pancreas transplant recipients (1%). Median time from transplant to infection was 21.6 months (IQR 5.3-55.2). Most underlying comorbidities were evenly distributed between groups; however, cases were older at the time of NTM diagnosis, more frequently on systemic corticosteroids and had a lower lymphocyte count (all P < .05). In the multivariable model, older age at transplant (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.04; 95 confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.07), hospital admission within 90 days (aOR, 3.14; 95% CI, 1.41-6.98), receipt of antifungals (aOR, 5.35; 95% CI, 1.7-16.91), and lymphocyte-specific antibodies (aOR, 7.73; 95% CI, 1.07-56.14), were associated with NTM infection. CONCLUSIONS: Risk of NTM infection in SOT recipients was associated with older age at SOT, prior hospital admission, receipt of antifungals or lymphocyte-specific antibodies. NTM infection should be considered in SOT patients with these risk factors.

Low-dose trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for the treatment of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (LOW-TMP): protocol for a phase III randomised, placebo-controlled, dose-comparison trial.

INTRODUCTION: Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is an opportunistic infection of immunocompromised hosts with significant morbidity and mortality. The current standard of care, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) at a dose of 15-20 mg/kg/day, is associated with serious adverse drug events (ADE) in 20%-60% of patients. ADEs include hypersensitivity reactions, drug-induced liver injury, cytopenias and renal failure, all of which can be treatment limiting. In a recent meta-analysis of observational studies, reduced dose TMP-SMX for the treatment of PJP was associated with fewer ADEs, without increased mortality. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A phase III randomised, placebo-controlled, trial to directly compare the efficacy and safety of low-dose TMP-SMX (10 mg/kg/day of TMP) with the standard of care (15 mg/kg/day of TMP) among patients with PJP, for a composite primary outcome of change of treatment, new mechanical ventilation, or death. The trial will be undertaken at 16 Canadian hospitals. Data will be analysed as intention to treat. Primary and secondary outcomes will be compared using logistic regression adjusting for stratification and presented with 95% CI. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has been conditionally approved by the McGill University Health Centre; Ethics approval will be obtained from all participating centres. Results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04851015.

Association between gut colonization of vancomycin-resistant enterococci and liver transplant outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) colonization is common in liver transplant recipients and has been associated with worse posttransplant outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study at the University of Alberta Hospital including patients who underwent a liver transplant between September 2014 and December 2017. RESULTS: Of 343 patients, 68 (19.8%) had pretransplant VRE colonization and 27 (27/275, 9.8%) acquired VRE posttransplant, 67% were males and the median age was 56.5 years. VRE colonized patients at baseline had higher MELD scores and required longer posttransplant hospitalization. VRE colonization was associated with increased risk of early acute kidney injury (AKI) (64% vs. 52%, p = .044), clinically significant bacterial/fungal infection (29% vs. 17%, p = .012) and invasive VRE infection (5% vs. 1%, p = .017). Mortality at 2 years was 13% in VRE-colonized versus 7% in noncolonized (p = .085). On multivariate analysis, VRE colonization increased the risk of posttransplant AKI (HR 1.504, 95% CI: 1.077-2.100, p = .017) and clinically significant bacterial or fungal infection at 6 months (HR 2.038, 95% CI: 1.222-3.399, p = .006), and was associated with nonsignificant trend toward increased risk of mortality at 2 years posttransplant (HR 1.974 95% CI 0.890-4.378; p = .094). CONCLUSIONS: VRE colonization in liver transplant patients is associated with increased risk of early AKI, clinically significant infections, and a trend toward increased mortality at 2 years.

Inhaled and intranasal ciclesonide for the treatment of covid-19 in adult outpatients: CONTAIN phase II randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if inhaled and intranasal ciclesonide are superior to placebo at decreasing respiratory symptoms in adult outpatients with covid-19. DESIGN: Randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial. SETTING: Three Canadian provinces (Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia). PARTICIPANTS: 203 adults aged 18 years and older with polymerase chain reaction confirmed covid-19, presenting with fever, cough, or dyspnoea. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomised to receive either inhaled ciclesonide (600 µg twice daily) and intranasal ciclesonide (200 µg daily) or metered dose inhaler and nasal saline placebos for 14 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was symptom resolution at day 7. Analyses were conducted on the modified intention-to-treat population (participants who took at least one dose of study drug and completed one follow-up survey) and adjusted for stratified randomisation by sex. RESULTS: The modified intention-to-treat population included 203 participants: 105 were randomly assigned to ciclesonide (excluding two dropouts and one loss to follow-up) and 98 to placebo (excluding three dropouts and six losses to follow-up). The median age was 35 years (interquartile range 27-47 years) and 54% were women. The proportion of participants with resolution of symptoms by day 7 did not differ significantly between the intervention group (42/105, 40%) and control group (34/98, 35%); absolute adjusted risk difference 5.5% (95% confidence interval -7.8% to 18.8%). Results might be limited to the population studied, which mainly included younger adults without comorbidities. The trial was stopped early, therefore could have been underpowered. CONCLUSION: Compared with placebo, the combination of inhaled and intranasal ciclesonide did not show a statistically significant increase in resolution of symptoms among healthier young adults with covid-19 presenting with prominent respiratory symptoms. As evidence is insufficient to determine the benefit of inhaled and intranasal corticosteroids in the treatment of covid-19, further research is needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04435795.

Clinical Practice Guideline for Solid Organ Donation and Transplantation During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted health systems worldwide, including solid organ donation and transplantation programs. Guidance on how best to screen patients who are potential organ donors to minimize the risks of COVID-19 as well as how best to manage immunosuppression and reduce the risk of COVID-19 and manage infection in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTr) is needed. METHODS: Iterative literature searches were conducted, the last being January 2021, by a team of 3 information specialists. Stakeholders representing key groups undertook the systematic reviews and generation of recommendations using a rapid response approach that respected the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations frameworks. RESULTS: The systematic reviews addressed multiple questions of interest. In this guidance document, we make 4 strong recommendations, 7 weak recommendations, 3 good practice statements, and 3 statements of "no recommendation." CONCLUSIONS: SOTr and patients on the waitlist are populations of interest in the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, there is a paucity of high-quality evidence to guide decisions around deceased donation assessments and the management of SOTr and waitlist patients. Inclusion of these populations in clinical trials of therapeutic interventions, including vaccine candidates, is essential to guide best practices.

Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Alveolar Echinococcosis: An Emerging Infectious Disease in Alberta, Canada.

Human alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a zoonotic cestode infection which is usually fatal in the absence of treatment. Treatment involves major surgery or indefinite antiparasitic therapy. The incidence is rising in Europe and Asia, with an increased risk observed in immunocompromised individuals. Previously, AE acquisition in North America was extremely rare, except for one remote Alaskan Island. Recent studies have demonstrated a new European-like strain of Echinococcus multilocularis (Em) in wildlife and in human AE in western Canada. We report the experience of all AE patients diagnosed in Alberta. Each was diagnosed by histopathology, serology, and PCR-confirmed by a reference laboratory. Seventeen cases of human AE, aged 19-78 years, nine females, were diagnosed between 2013 and 2020: all definitely or probably acquired in Alberta. Six lived in urban areas, and 14 had kept dogs. In eight, the lesions were found incidentally on abdominal imaging performed for other indications. Six were immunocompromised to varying degrees. Six were first diagnosed at surgery. All have been recommended benzimidazole therapy. One died of surgical complications. Clinicians should be aware of this diagnostic possibility in patients presenting with focal nonmalignant hepatic mass lesions. Greater urbanization of coyotes, the predominant definitive host of Em in Alberta, and growing numbers of immune suppressed individuals in the human population may lead to increasing recognition of AE in North America.

Ruxolitinib as adjunctive therapy for secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: A case series.

INTRODUCTION: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a cytokine storm syndrome associated with mortality rates of up to 88%. Standard therapy with high-dose glucocorticoids and etoposide used in adults is extrapolated from pediatric trials, with significant toxicity in older patients and those with poor performance status. The JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib has recently gained attention as a treatment option for HLH due to its broad cytokine-modulating abilities and safety profile. Herein we report our center's experience using ruxolitinib in the treatment of adult-onset secondary HLH. CASE SERIES: We report four patients with profound secondary HLH provoked by diverse triggers, including invasive pulmonary aspergillosis on background systemic lupus erythematosus, disseminated tuberculosis, and T-cell lymphoma treated with ruxolitinib as monotherapy or combination therapy in upfront and salvage settings. RESULTS: All four patients had rapid, sustained improvement in clinical status, inflammatory markers, and hematological cell counts followed by durable remission. Three patients developed manageable infectious complications postruxolitinib. CONCLUSIONS: This series demonstrates the effective use of JAK inhibition with ruxolitinib to control pathological immune activation in critically ill patients with secondary HLH and otherwise limited therapeutic options. JAK inhibition is also an area of urgent investigation for the treatment of cytokine storm associated with COVID-19.

Donor Graft Cytomegalovirus Serostatus and the Risk of Arterial and Venous Thrombotic Events in Seronegative Recipients After Non-Thoracic Solid Organ Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common opportunistic pathogen, following solid organ transplantation (SOT), that leads to direct and indirect effects. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of CMV exposure at transplantation on the rate of posttransplant thrombotic events (TEs). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients transplanted at the University of Alberta Hospital between July 2005 and January 2018. We included adult SOT CMV-seronegative recipients at transplantation who received an allograft from either a seropositive donor (D+/R-) or a seronegative donor (D-/R-). RESULTS: A total of 392 SOT recipients were included: 151 (39%) liver, 188 (48%) kidney, 45 (11%) pancreas, and 8 (2%) other transplants. The mean age was 47 years, 297 (76%) were males, and 181 (46%) had a CMV D+/R- donor. Patients in the CMV D+/R- cohort were slightly older (51 years versus 48 years in the D-/R- cohort; P = .036), while other variables, including cardiovascular risk factors and pretransplant TEs, were not different between groups. Overall, TEs occurred in 35 (19%) patients in the CMV D+/R- group, versus 21 (10%) in the CMV D-/R- group, at 5 years of follow-up (P = .008); the incidence rates per 100 transplant months were 5.12 and 1.02 in the CMV D+/R- and CMV D-/R- groups, respectively (P = .003). After adjusting for potential confounders with a Cox regression model, a CMV D+/R- transplantation was independently associated with an increased risk of a TE over 5 years (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.027; 95% confidence interval, 1.669-5.488). CONCLUSIONS: A CMV D+/R- transplantation is associated with an increased risk of a TE posttransplantation.