Epidemiology and Prevention of Viral Infections in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies

Michael      Angarone

Abstract

Viral infections are some of the most frequent complications in patients with hematologic malignancies are viral infections. Infections caused by cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, varicella zoster virus, hepatitis B virus and influenza virus are associated with high morbidity and mortality in this vulnerable population. Fortunately, a growing number of antiviral medications and vaccines are allowing for more effective prophylaxis against these pathogens. This article reviews the epidemiology and prophylactic strategies available for these opportunistic viral pathogens.

Keywords: Cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, varicella zoster virus, influenza virus, hepatitis B virus, hematologic malignancy, anti-viral agents, vaccines, prophylaxis, T-cell dysfunction, lymphoid derived leukemia, mye-loid derived leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, fludarabine, monoclonal antibodies, pneumonitis, alemtuzumab, oral acyclovir