Infections After Liver Transplant
One of the most common viruses after a liver transplant is cytomegalovirus (CMV). CMV is a common virus that can cause a range of symptoms, from mild flu-like illness to serious complications in people with weakened immune systems.
Why CMV is Common After Liver Transplant
- Immunosuppressant Medications: After a liver transplant, patients need to take immunosuppressant medications to prevent their bodies from rejecting the new liver. These medications weaken the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections, including CMV.
- CMV Infection in the Donor: If the donor of the liver has CMV, the virus can be transmitted to the recipient during the transplant.
Symptoms of CMV Infection
Symptoms of CMV infection can vary depending on the severity of the infection. Some common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Prevention and Treatment
- CMV Prophylaxis: Doctors often prescribe antiviral medications called CMV prophylaxis to prevent CMV infection after liver transplant.
- CMV Treatment: If a CMV infection occurs, antiviral medications are used to treat the infection.
It's important to note that other viruses can also be common after liver transplant, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), adenovirus, and herpes simplex virus (HSV).
