Challenges in the Diagnosis of 2009 H1N1 in a Lung Transplant Patient and the Long-Term Implications for Prevention and Treatment: A Case Report

Abstract

Although respiratory viral infections have been associated with acute rejection and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, the long-term impact of the novel pandemic influenza A (2009 H1N1) virus on lung transplant patients has not been defined. We describe the diagnostic challenges and longterm consequences of 2009 H1N1 infection in a lung transplant patient, discuss the potential implications for prevention and treatment, and conclude that even timely antiviral therapy may be insufficient to prevent long-term morbidity.

Update on viral infections in lung transplantation

“…Other case reports underline the lack of data concerning the long-term pulmonary allograft function as a response to H1N1 infection. Fast establishment of H1N1 diagnosis and preemptive early treatment has been suggested to be important for individuals after lung transplantation [36].…”