An Analysis of Cytomegalovirus Infection and HLA Antigen Matching on the Outcome of Renal Transplantation

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Abstract
Recipients (85) and donors of renal allografts were examined for evidence of cytomegalovirus [CMV] infection before and repeatedly after transplantation. The recipients were also divided into 2 groups on the basis of HLA antigen matching. Better allograft survival was noted in patients well matched for HLA antigens (0-2 mismatched antigens) compared to those poorly matched (3 or more antigens mismatched) and in patients free of CMV compared to those infected. CMV infection had a more marked influence on allograft survival than did HLA antigen matching. The differing rates of success of transplantation, apparently dependent on blood relationship between donor and recipient, were assumed largely due to inherited factors. The disparate incidence of CMV infection in sibling, parental and cadaveric categories of transplantation was an important factor. The mechanism of this disparity was explained on the basis of the incidence of latent CMV infection in the recipients and various categories of kidney donors.