Recommendations for Dengue Screening Protocol for Donors and Recipients in Solid Organ Transplantation

Abstract

Dengue, an infection characterized by recurrent epidemic spanning 3 to 5 years, stands out as a one of the most prominent problem due to its escalating case number and geographic extension. Despite its vast distribution, the disease occurs most intensely in the Americas and Southeast Asia. Within this scenario, it is imperative to carefully assess the potential repercussions of this epidemic on transplant activity. Although literature on this matter remains sparse, a review of probable and confirmed cases of dengue transmission through infected donors was carried out, addressing clinical characteristics and outcomes in recipients of such organs. Considering the strategies adopted in other countries that have already experienced dengue epidemics with the transmission of the virus through organ transplantation, the Comissão de Infecção em Transplante (COINT) da Associação Brasileira de Transplante (ABTO) delineates a protocol for screening potential donors and transplant candidates. This protocol involves the combined use of NS1/IgM on blood, alongise stringent criteria for evaluating donor and recipient suitability.