After a bone marrow transplant, which virus are patients particularly susceptible to?

Patients who have undergone a bone marrow transplant are particularly susceptible to Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections. This increased susceptibility stems from the immunocompromised state that follows the transplant procedure, which significantly weakens the patient's immune system.

CMV is a member of the herpes virus family and can remain dormant in the body. In immunocompromised individuals, such as those who have received a bone marrow transplant, CMV can reactivate or be acquired anew, leading to serious complications. Given the nature of the transplant, which often involves high-dose immunosuppressive therapy to prevent graft rejection, the body’s ability to battle viral infections is considerably diminished.

The risk of CMV infection is serious because it can lead to complications such as pneumonia, gastrointestinal disease, and retinitis, which can have a profound impact on recovery and overall health following transplantation.

In contrast, while the other viruses listed may also pose risks under certain circumstances, the specific context of post-bone marrow transplant immunosuppression makes CMV the primary concern for patients in these situations.