Multiple Viral Infections Common After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Strategic Insights -

A retrospective cohort study conducted at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, Australia, aimed to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of multiple viral infections in the first year following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). The study found that among 430 alloHCT recipients, 744 viral infections were observed within the first year post-transplantation, predominantly cytomegalovirus (CMV), followed by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and BK polyomavirus (BKV). The study also identified independent risk factors of multiple viral infections, including CMV serostatus, haploidentical donor, T-cell depletion use, and grade III-IV acute graft-versus-host disease.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study observed 744 viral infections among 430 alloHCT recipients, with CMV being the most common (55%), followed by EBV (51%) and BKV (21%).
  • Eighty-five percent of patients had at least 1 viral infection, with 34% having 2 and 24% having 3 viruses.
  • Independent risk factors of multiple viral infections included CMV serostatus, haploidentical donor, T-cell depletion use, and grade III-IV acute graft-versus-host disease.
  • Patients experiencing multiple viral infections had an earlier time to onset of first infection, were hospitalized for an increased number of days, and had lower survival probability at day 270 following infusion.
  • The study concluded that multiple viral infections were frequently observed, with a significant impact on morbidity and mortality following alloHCT.

Statistics:

  • 744 viral infections were observed among 430 alloHCT recipients within the first year post-transplantation.
  • CMV accounted for 55% of the viral infections, followed by EBV (51%) and BKV (21%).
  • 85% of patients had at least 1 viral infection, with 34% having 2 and 24% having 3 viruses.
  • Patients experiencing multiple viral infections had an earlier time to onset of first infection (median, 18 vs 25 vs 40 days).
  • Patients experiencing multiple viral infections were hospitalized for an increased number of days (median, 53 vs 40 vs 37 days).
  • Patients experiencing multiple viral infections had lower survival probability at day 270 following infusion (p = .044).

Sources:

  • Incidence and Clinical Outcomes of Multiple Viral Infections After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2025;12(10).
  • NewsRx. Recent Findings from Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Provide New Insights into Polyomavirus (Incidence and Clinical Outcomes of Multiple Viral Infections After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation). Hematology Week. October 20, 2025; p 1330.