Infections after Heart Transplantation

A main goal in the follow-up of patients after heart-transplantation (HTX) is the prevention and effective treatment of infections, one of the most common life threatening complications of long-term immunosuppressive therapy [1] (Figure 1). After solid organ transplantation a certain pattern of infections can be observed [1] (Figure 2). This helps developing a differential diagnosis in transplant recipients who present with infectious diseases and establishing effective preventive strategies. However, infections after heart transplantation should not only be recognized as an isolated problem. Especially regarding the impact on long term outcome negative effects of infections on the immune status of the recipient and the development of malignancies or cardiac transplant vasculopathy (TVP) have to be considered as well.