Respiratory Viral Infections in HSCT Recipients Carries High Risk of Mortality

Strategic Insights -

Researchers have investigated the incidence of respiratory viral infections in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients, revealing high mortality rates associated with these infections. The study, conducted at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), followed 100 HSCT recipients for 18 months, observing 318 respiratory episodes, of which 61 tested positive for viral infections. The most common viruses detected were rhinoviruses, parainfluenza viruses, and respiratory syncytial viruses.

Key Takeaways:

  • Respiratory viral infections are a significant risk for HSCT recipients, with a higher incidence in autologous compared to allogeneic HSCT recipients.
  • Higher mortality rates were observed in allogeneic recipients, with a case fatality ratio of 30% for human metapneumovirus and 11.1% for influenza A/H3N2 virus.
  • Rhinoviruses, parainfluenza viruses, and respiratory syncytial viruses were the most common viruses detected in respiratory episodes.
  • Immunizations for vaccine-preventable viruses, such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, are recommended for HSCT recipients due to their high incidence.
  • The study highlights the need for prevention and management strategies for respiratory viral infections in HSCT recipients.

Statistics:

  • 318 respiratory episodes occurred in HSCT recipients, with 61 (38.6%) testing positive for viral infections.
  • 94 episodes were lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI).
  • Rhinoviruses were detected in 18.6 cases per 100 patient years, followed by parainfluenza viruses (11 cases), respiratory syncytial viruses (10 cases), human metapneumovirus (8.9 cases), and influenza viruses (7.9 cases per 100 patient years).

Sources:

  • Incidence of respiratory viral infections in adults following hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) at a tertiary care hospital in India. Virusdisease, 2025;36(2):335-342.
  • NewsRx. Research from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Reveals New Findings on Respiratory Syncytial Viruses [Incidence of respiratory viral infections in adults following hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) at a tertiary care ...]. Vaccine Weekly. October 15, 2025; p 31.