Toxoplasmosis Prophylaxis Practices: A Survey of International Pediatric Solid Organ Transplantation Centers.

BACKGROUND

Toxoplasma gondii can cause opportunistic infections leading to life-threatening disseminated disease after organ transplantation. However, there is a paucity of pediatric-specific data to guide recommendations for the prevention of toxoplasmosis after solid organ transplantation.

METHODS

To assess current practices, international pediatric transplant providers were surveyed.

RESULTS

Considerable variability in both screening and prophylaxis strategies was found across centers and organ types, with heart transplant programs performing more screening and prophylaxis. Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was the preferred prophylaxis agent for each graft; no toxoplasmosis cases were recalled while patients received prophylaxis.

CONCLUSION

More research is needed to clarify and standardize the optimal toxoplasmosis prevention strategy.