Work

Utilization of a CMV T Cell Immunity Assay to Guide Secondary Prophylaxis in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Secondary prophylaxis following treatment of CMV infection in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) may be considered in high-risk SOTRs, although utilization criteria are not well described. The addition of CMV-specific T-cell immunity assay testing may help guide selection of SOTRs for secondary prophylaxis. METHODS: All SOTRs at a single center with CMV T-cell assays obtained during secondary prophylaxis between January 2020 and August 2023 were reviewed. CMV antiviral secondary prophylaxis discontinuation rates and subsequent need for antiviral therapy re-initiation were recorded. Positive predictive and negative predictive values of the assay, as well as the association between absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) and CMV T cell assay variables, were assessed. RESULTS: /L at time of assay, an adequate T cell assay response was significantly associated with no CMV reactivation (n = 0/22, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this exploratory population, the combination of an adequate CMV T-cell assay with adequate ALC was strongly predictive of no CMV reactivation. Further investigation into the predictive characteristics of a CMV T-cell assay combined with ALC and other patient-specific factors may optimize its clinical application.

Source: Transplant Infectious Disease

DOI: 10.1111/tid.70185

Authors: Christina Doligalski, Luther Bartelt, Anne M. Lachiewicz, Arlene C. Seña, Mary Chandran

Institutions: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina Health Care

Language: English

Topic: Cytomegalovirus and herpesvirus research

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7129059476