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Asymptomatic transmission of T reponema pallidum (syphilis) through deceased donor liver transplantation
Author(s) -
Tariciotti L.,
Das I.,
Dori L.,
Perera M.T.P.R.,
Bramhall S.R.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
transplant infectious disease
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.69
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1399-3062
pISSN - 1398-2273
DOI - 10.1111/j.1399-3062.2012.00745.x
Subject(s) - medicine , syphilis , treponema , asymptomatic , seroconversion , liver transplantation , serology , transmission (telecommunications) , transplantation , immunology , surgery , antibody , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , electrical engineering , engineering
A 55‐year‐old woman underwent liver transplantation ( LT ) with a graft from a deceased donor. Mandatory pre‐donation investigations showed positive syphilis serology that was available only after the transplant, with high T reponema pallidum particle agglutination assay titer compatible with donor syphilis infection. Despite the institution of appropriate post‐exposure prophylaxis, the recipient demonstrated latent seroconversion; however, liver graft function improved without evidence of syphilitic hepatitis or other manifestations of the disease. Through this first reported case of asymptomatic transmission of syphilis following LT , we highlight the investigations and treatment strategies for donor‐derived syphilis in liver transplant recipients. This report supplements the existing limited evidence on safe use of infected grafts from syphilitic donors through appropriate post‐exposure prophylaxis.