Overview

Developing countries located in tropical or subtropical regions have epidemiological characteristics different from developed countries with temperate climates. The former are characterized by the occurrence of endemic infections and diseases that are absent or rare in developed countries which may not be prepared to diagnose or manage them. Blood transfusion and transplantation are efficient mechanisms for spreading infectious agents to naïve populations. As a consequence of globalization, several factors such as international commerce, tourism, immigration, among others, have acted as important features for the emergence or re-emergence in developed countries, of infectious diseases previously referred as “tropical”. The higher rate of incident infection transmitted by organ donors compared with blood donors emphasizes the need for an international network for biovigilance of organ recipients. Although in some countries national systems are already available, in many others the systems are under development. Health professionals in the field of transplant infectious diseases have to keep a high index of suspicion when caring for patients with identifiable risk factors, and be prepared to manage a suspect case according to current recommendations. In this talk, we will review the epidemiology and clinical features of Chikungunya, Dengue and Malaria in transplant recipients.

Objectives

Upon completion of this talk, participants should be able to:

1. Recognize the epidemiological risk factors for Chikungunya, Dengue and Malaria.

2. Indicate the adequate clinical sample to be taken for diagnosis, and select appropriate tests to be performed to confirm diagnosis according to risk factors.

3. Indicate the therapeutic or prophylactic options in specific situations according to current recommendations.