Influenza B in transplant patients

Scand J Infect Dis. 1989;21(3):349-50. doi: 10.3109/00365548909035710.

Abstract

Six cases of influenza B occurred in transplanted patients in a period of 3 weeks. Three renal allograft recipients recovered within 5 days without antiviral therapy. Two allogeneic bone marrow recipients were treated with ribavirin inhalations during the leukopenic phase. Treatment was given until influenza B was no longer detected and fever disappeared after 5 and 6 days, respectively. Engraftment was not delayed and no side-effects were noted. One recipient of autologous marrow was treated for 2 days, but ribavirin was discontinued due to pleuritic pain. We conclude that influenza B can be spread by asymptomatic carriers in the nursing staff and in spite of reversed isolation with the use of gown, hand wash and gloves.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Influenza B virus / isolation & purification
  • Influenza, Human / drug therapy
  • Influenza, Human / microbiology
  • Influenza, Human / transmission*
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications*
  • Ribavirin / therapeutic use*
  • Ribonucleosides / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Ribonucleosides
  • Ribavirin