Tuberculosis in renal transplant recipients in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences

Background and Tuberculosis (T.B) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in renal transplant recipients. The incidence of mycobacterium tuberculosis in renal transplant patients compared with normal papulation is high specially in developing countries. This study is a retospective review of the records of 700 renal transplant recipients 10 of whom developed post-transplant T.B.. Demographic information, interval between transplantation and T.B diagnosis, T.B site, graft survival and patient outcome were analysed. From 700 renal transplant recipient we found 10 documented cases of T:B (1.4%). Mean age was 37.9 years and mean time for diagnosis of post-transplantation T.B was 15.7 months. The most common forms were pleuro-pulmonary T.B. (60%) followed by milliary pattern (20%) and bone and joint involvement (20%). Two patients (20%) died and rejection occurred in 3 patients (30%). Çonclusion: The incidence of T.B in renal transplant recipients is relatively high and its presentation usually atypic, thus a high index of suspicion should be retained in the long term follow-up of these patients, given the importance of early diagnosis and specific treatment to the chance of graft and patient survival.