Infectious Diseases a Hot Topic at the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation 38th Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions

NICE, FR, April 13, 2018 -- During Oral Session 38 at the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) 38th Annual Meeting & Scientific Sessions, two studies were highlighted including results of the use of Bacteriophage Treatment in a Lung Transplant Recipient and the results of Phase 2b Trial of Presatovir, an oral RSV Fusion Inhibitor for the Treatment of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Lung Transplant Recipients.

Treating Multi-Drug Resistant Pneumonia in a Lung Transplant Patient
Dr. Saima Aslam, MD, MS, and colleagues report for a single patient, the successful use of bacteriophage therapy—treatment using an engineered virus to infect bacteria, especially those that are known to be multi-drug resistant (MDR). In this particular case, a 67-year-old, lung-transplant recipient developed recurrent episodes of MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) pneumonia.

Bacteriophages are engineered viruses that specifically infect particular bacteria and can then replicate and lyse them. Aslam described how the lung transplant recipient received bacteriophage therapy both through intravenous and inhaled routes and tolerated it well without any attributable adverse events. The group described the process of identifying active bacteriophages against the patient’s pseudomonas isolates, the change in antimicrobial resistance patterns over time, as well as results of immunological characteristics.

Aslam noted that Bacteriophage therapy is a novel therapy given the increasing problem of MDR pathogens and limited new antimicrobial options to address the issue, especially in the lung transplant setting.

“Research into post-transplant infectious diseases, especially those that involve multi-drug-resistant pathogens, presents a significant opportunity to positively impact patient care in lung transplantation,” said Christian Benden, MD, FCCP, Scientific Program Chair for the ISHLT 38th Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions.

Using Presatovir to Treat RSV in Lung Transplant Patients
In a patient trial (N=61), transplant recipients with confirmed RSV and acute symptoms were randomized to receive oral presatovir (200mg day 1, 100mg days 2-14) or a placebo. Though the treatment was well tolerated in lung transplant patients with RSV, it did not improve viral or clinical outcomes.

About ISHLT
The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) is a not-for-profit, multidisciplinary, professional organization with more than 3,800 members from over 45 countries, representing over 15 different professional disciplines involved in the management andtreatment of end-stage heart and lung disease. All ISHLT members share a common dedication to improving the care of patients with advanced heart or lung disease through transplantation, mechanical support and innovative therapies via research, education, and advocacy. For more information, visit www.ishlt.org.

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Stephen Chavez
International Society for Heart & Lung Transplantation
210-310-8215
[email protected]