Wide range of immunosuppressant used in various organ transplantation (SOT/BMT), resulting in increased number of morbidity and mortality in both transplant candidates and recipients. The overwhelming impact of these infections requires meticulous efforts to evaluate for underlying risk factors, optimization of treatment and proper implement of infection control practices.

Transplant Infectious Diseases services at Dr Ahuja’s ID Clinic

Dr Ahuja’s ID Clinic provides services to the diverse groups of patients:​

• Organ transplant candidates and recipients (Solid Organ Transplant-SOT)
• Organ transplant donors (SOT/BMT)
• Patients with Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs)
• Stem-cell transplant candidates and recipients (Bone Marrow Transplant- BMT)
• Persons with malignancies of the blood or organs (on chemotherapy or radiotherapy)
• Immunization (Prior to organ transplant)

 

Patients who need to be evaluated for prevention, diagnosis or treatment of infections will be referred by their respective physician by written consultation.

You will receive an appointment at our clinic or in hospital visit (where patient is admitted). On evaluation by an infectious disease doctor will decide if you need further tests and treatment.  A follow-up if required will be scheduled to review the results and to plan further action.

Following infections are evaluated in post-transplant patients:

• Bacterial infections (sepsis, surgical site infection, urinary tract, lung infections, abdominal infections, as well as brain infections)
• Viral infections (cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, BK virus and Varicella virus)
• Fungal infections (Aspergillus, Candida, Histoplasma and other demetacious fungi)
• Parasitic infections (Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Isospora and Strongyloides)
• VAD-related infections (Bacterial or fungal)
• Treatment of Tuberculosis or Nocardiosis

 

Pre-transplant Evaluation in Dr Ahuja’s ID Clinic

At this clinic, we will provide you with a complete assessment of pre-transplant conditions that needs to be taken care before you get your transplant. At this clinic, we also offer vaccinations and skin testing for latent TB infection and guidance for safe living after transplantation.

Who is eligible for this clinic?

• Transplant candidates (both SOT and BMT)
• Patients scheduled to receive chemotherapy for malignancies
• Potential living donors
• Potential VAD (ventricular assist device) recipients ​

 

Lab Tests

The following tests are routinely performed in the Dr Ahuja’s ID Clinic:

• Nucleic acid testing for various viruses including CMV, EBV, BK, and Adenovirus
• CMV-resistance testing
• Multiplex respiratory virus panel for patients with suspected pneumonia
• Galactomannan and Beta D glucan testing as a biomarkers for fungal infections.
• Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) for antimicrobials and antifungals
• QuantiFERON TB Gold

 

Other routine tests are also being done that are relevant to the transplant.