The occurrence, detection and treatment of adenovirus infection in patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Objective

Future progress in hemopoietic stem cell transplantation is hampered by disseminated adenoviral (AdV) infection, which is estimated to kill 175 transplant patients in EU yearly. Current virological tests are poor either for predicting those patients who will develop life threatening AdV disease or evaluating the efficacy of antiviral drugs. We therefore propose to perform rapid, sensitive quantitation of plasma adenoviral DNA load in a multi-centre prospective study using Real -Time Quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR) for disease monitoring, prognostication and monitoring of responses to antiviral drugs, in conjunction with pharmacokinetic/dynamic studies and in vitro AdV sensitivity. AdV-specific T-cell reactivity and neutralizing antibodies will be measured in all patients to explore the feasibility of immunotherapy. Based on the data a protocol for the management of AdV infections in immunocompromised hosts will be delivered to the community.

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-2. - Key action Control of Infectious Diseases

Funding Scheme

Coordinator

Participants (4)