Cytomegalovirus Infection in Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: a Focus on Prevention

Solid organ transplantation is a life-saving procedure that has changed the prognosis for infants and children with end-stage organ disease. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is one of the most common infections that occur after organ transplantation in pediatric patients, yet the standard of care for CMV prevention remains unclear. We review the literature regarding CMV disease effects, risk factors, diagnostics, prevention strategies, and antiviral treatment in pediatric solid organ transplantation. This discussion focuses on the current prevention strategies: prophylaxis, preemptive, and hybrid therapy, as well as novel strategies that may help better prevent the CMV disease in the pediatric solid organ transplant population.