Early viral-specific T-cell testing predicts late cytomegalovirus reactivation following liver transplantation

Abstract

Introduction: Although antiviral prophylaxis is effective in preventing early cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation following liver transplantation (OLT), it predisposes patients to late CMV after prophylaxis has ceased. QuantiFERON–CMV (QFN-CMV, Qiagen, The Netherlands) measures an individual's viral-specific immune response. Methods: Fifty-nine OLT recipients were prospectively monitored post-OLT in an observational cohort study. QFN-CMV was performed at regular time-points. An absolute QFN-CMV 90% already express viral-specific immunity as early as 3 months. Conceivably, antiviral prophylaxis could be discontinued early in these patients.