Immune biomarkers and infections in kidney transplant recipients

Abstract

The aim of this thesis was to find immune biomarkers that can predict the development of severe infection in kidney transplant recipients. We enrolled 168 clinically stable kidney transplant recipients, undertook baseline immune testing and followed patients prospectively for two years. Thirty-five percent of patients developed an infection. Several biomarkers and a composite score of biomarkers and clinical characteristics could successfully discriminate between patients at very high risk of developing infection and those at a lower risk. These biomarkers can assist clinicians to make decisions about infection prevention and inform future studies aimed at finding safe ways to reduce immunosuppression.