Specific autologous cytotoxic T lymphocytes for chronic varicella in a liver transplanted child.

Abstract

Infections by herpesviruses may have severe complications in liver transplant patients. Although prophylactic varicella zoster virus vaccination is strongly recommended and widely applied, severe infection may still occur. We report the case of systemic chronic varicella, which developed in a liver allograft recipient, unresponsive to antiviral drug treatment, successfully treated by varicella zooster-specific CTL. Graft failure ensued, likely, because of massive cytolysis of infected hepatocytes. The patient, who was re-transplanted in the absence of signs of varicella zooster reactivation, is now well and disease free 3 yr after second liver transplant.

• Authors: Maria Luisa Melzi, Aurelio Sonzogni, Patrizia Comoli, Paola Stroppa, Silvia Riva, Monica Altobelli, Annalia Casati, Giuliano Torre, Daniele Alberti, Michela Guizzetti, Milena Furione, Marco Spada, Michele Colledan, Bruno Gridelli
• Journal: Pediatric transplantation (Pediatr Transplant) Vol. 10 Issue 2 Pg. 240-3 (Mar 2006) ISSN: 1397-3142 [Print] Denmark
• PMID: 16573614 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antiviral Agents
• Acyclovir

Topics

• Acyclovir (therapeutic use)
• Antiviral Agents (therapeutic use)
• Biliary Atresia (surgery)
• Chickenpox (immunology, prevention & control, therapy)
• Child, Preschool
• Chronic Disease
• Female
• Humans
• Liver (pathology)
• Liver Function Tests
• Liver Transplantation (adverse effects, immunology)
• Reoperation
• T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic (immunology)
• Transplantation, Homologous