Identification of Latent Tuberculosis Infection in Heart Transplant Candidates and Recipients

Overview

This study assesses the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in heart transplant candidates and recipients, revealing significantly higher rates in both groups compared to healthy controls.

Background

Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) poses a significant risk for heart transplant candidates and recipients due to their immunocompromised status. Early identification of LTBI is crucial to prevent the progression to active tuberculosis, which can lead to severe morbidity and mortality. Current guidelines recommend systematic screening for LTBI in this high-risk group.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• LTBI prevalence was 53.6% in heart transplant recipients.
• LTBI prevalence was 35.7% in pre-transplant patients.
• Both patient groups had significantly higher LTBI rates compared to healthy controls (5.8%).
• The difference in LTBI prevalence between transplant recipients and pre-transplant patients was not statistically significant.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should be aware of the elevated LTBI prevalence in these populations.

Conclusion

Heart transplant recipients demonstrate the highest prevalence of LTBI, followed by patients awaiting transplantation, both markedly exceeding that observed in healthy individuals.

Related Resources & Content

1. International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation Guidelines for the Evaluation and Care of Cardiac Transplant Candidates—2024
2. Latent tuberculosis screening and treatment in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant candidates and recipients | Johns Hopkins Medicine
3. Tuberculosis in lung and heart transplant recipients - PubMed
4. Open Forum Infectious Diseases — Tuberculosis Originating from a Donor in Three Recipients of Solid Organ Transplants from the Same Source
5. International Journal of Infectious Diseases — Infection screening at listing and vaccination management through the waiting period in lung transplant candidates in Japan
6. Infection — Diminished Immune Function and Extended Viral Persistence in Lung Transplant Recipients with Early SARS-CoV-2 Infection
7. European Radiology — Multiparametric cardiac MRI in the diagnosis of transplant rejection in patients after orthotopic heart transplantation
8. International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation Guidelines for the Evaluation and Care of Cardiac Transplant Candidates—2024
9. Latent tuberculosis screening and treatment in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant candidates and recipients | Johns Hopkins Medicine
10. Tuberculosis in lung and heart transplant recipients - PubMed