Torque Teno Viremia and Risk for Infection in Renal Transplant Recipients

In a prospective study, higher viral loads of torque teno virus tended to precede infections in those recently receiving a renal allograft.

Although opportunistic infections remain a significant risk in those receiving organ transplants, there is currently no direct way to measure this risk. One promising approach is to monitor the activity of the torque teno virus (TTV), which infects up to 90% of the human population and is not associated with any known disease. Retrospective studies have suggested that peripheral blood levels of TTV might inversely mirror the overall strength of the immune system. To examine this further, Viennese investigators conducted a prospective study of 169 adults receiving a renal allograft transplant in 2016; median follow-up was about 7 months. TTV was quantified in the peripheral blood using polymerase chain reaction.

Prior to transplantation, 80% …

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

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Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Torque Teno Viremia and Risk for Infection in Renal Transplant Recipients

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Reviewing Author