Prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 infections in renal transplant recipients and their renal function

Viral infections are a major problem for transplant recipients. Reactivation of viruses is associated with the use of strong immunosuppressive drugs. Herpes simplex virus infections in renal transplant patients may become severe without treatment. Although the prevalence and role of herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 in bone marrow and lung recipients are well known; however, the prevalence of the virus from the time of transplantation to the one-year period after transplantation is vague. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of herpes simplex virus infections and renal function after transplantation.

In a prospective single-center study we followed 58 renal transplant recipients who received a living or cadaveric kidney transplant at Namazi hospital. Samples were taken from each individual 1 week before transplantation and 2 weeks post-transplantation. The patients were then sampled every 4 weeks up to 52 weeks after transplantation. Urine and blood samples were also collected from 37 organ donors. We investigated the presence of HSV-DNA in the urine and peripheral blood samples of renal transplant recipients using PCR-RFLP. The presence of viral DNA in the urine and peripheral blood samples of living donors were investigated as well. The patients were also examined for any signs or symptoms of renal dysfunction.

HSV-1 DNA was detected in urine samples of only 19% of transplant patients. HSV-2 DNA, however, was not detected in any group of subjects including renal transplant recipients. A significant association was observed between HSV-1 infection among kidney recipients and donors (P=0.002).

Although there was no significant association between HSV-1 infection and renal dysfunction in renal transplant recipients, however, due to life-threatening infections caused by this virus, periodic testing for the presence of HSV-1 is recommended.