CME on Transplantation is dedicated to online CME conferences, courses and presentations (slides with voice over) on transplantation, given by local and international experts. Its mission is to keep you up-to-date with the most recent developments on transplantation.
Presentation
"Emerging Infections: SARS and WNV" Dr. Atul Humar (biography) English - 2004-05-15 - 27 minutes
(41 slides)
Summary : Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and West Nile Virus (WNV) represent special challenges in the transplant program which need to be met with appropriate precautions.
WNV may be acquired through transfusions, donors or may be community acquired from an infected mosquito (the most common route of infection in transplant patients). Patients should be educated on how to protect themselves, for example by wearing insect repellant and avoiding outdoor activities at dusk and dawn. Transplant recipients are at greater risk for severe disease due to WNV compared to the general population.
Dr. Humar also speaks about the SARS epidemic and the Toronto General Hospital experience in dealing with the recent outbreak. The SARS Coronavirus is spread primarily via droplets, and infection in transplant patients may result in rapid progression of disease and increased infectivity.
Learning objectives : -Routes of infection in transplant patients
-Risk of severe disease in transplant patients vs. the general population
-Measures to prevent infection
-Screening tools
-Adapting the transplant program to new infectious challenges
