Cytomegalovirus Among Renal Transplant and Dialysis Patients

Abstract

<p>Cytomegalovirus (CMV), one of the herpes viruses, is a common infectious agent among immunosuppressed renal transplant patients. Although CMV infection is usually mild or asymptomatic among general population, it can result in critical illness, allograft rejection and even death among transplant patients. This thesis designs experiments for the study of CMV with respect to its incidence, morbidity and mortality as well as its effects on the cellular immunity among renal transplant and hemodialysis patients. The principles of incidence study are outlined, the concept of sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of a test explained, and the difference between the laboratory and epidemiologic usage of these terminologies are discussed. The sources of error in Lymphocyte Stimulation Test as an instrument to assess cell-mediated immunity are discussed. The complexity of morbidity study is also discussed. Sample size determinations for the incidence study, morbidity as well as cellular immunity studies are discussed. Statistical analysis of the data (when available) is discussed.</p>