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Herpesviruses

Herpesviruses: molecular monitoring and risk management in transplant patients

Human herpesviruses are DNA viruses capable of establishing latent infections that can persist throughout life. After the primary infection they can remain in the body and reactivate when immune defenses are reduced. Viruses of clinical interest include CMV, EBV, HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, HHV-6, HHV-7 and HHV-8.

Explore solutions for herpesvirus diagnostics

Browse the products available for the detection of viral DNA and find the solutions best suited to your laboratory’s needs.

The risk in transplant patients

In immunocompetent people, many herpesvirus infections are asymptomatic or cause mild manifestations. In patients undergoing solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, however, immunosuppression can reduce the ability to control viral replication. A new infection or a reactivation can therefore cause significant complications and require prompt evaluation.

Real-Time PCR techniques make it possible to detect viral DNA and, when provided for by the test, to quantify it in the samples analyzed. Monitoring over time can help to:

  • identify the presence of viral DNA;
  • follow the trend of the viral load;
  • support risk assessment in transplant patients;
  • provide useful information for clinical decisions and follow-up.

The frequency of testing and the interpretation of the results depend on the virus, the type of transplant and the patient’s condition.

Herpesviruses of particular interest in transplantation

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is one of the main opportunistic infections in transplant patients. EBV also requires attention because of its association with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD). HHV-6, HSV and VZV can cause significant clinical manifestations in immunocompromised patients. Nuclear Laser Medicine offers tests for the detection and, depending on the product, the quantification of various herpesviruses, to support the laboratory’s diagnostic activities.

Solutions for herpesvirus diagnostics

Explore the Nuclear Laser Medicine products dedicated to herpesviruses. For information on the viruses analyzed, the specified samples and the solutions best suited to your laboratory, contact us.
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