CMV Specific Immunity in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant patients at SQUH (CMV Specific Immunity)

Project Aim This study is designed to investigate the clinical utility of monitoring CMV-specific T-cell immunity by Quantiferon-CMV ELISA assay to predict CMV reactivation in HSCT recipients at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. Research Methodology This prospective study will enroll pediatric and adult HSCT recipients at SQUH for 2 years (after obtaining consent) to evaluate their IFN-? which represents CMV-specific T-cell immunity by QuantiFERON-CMV ELISA assay (Qiagen). This assay will be performed at baseline (pre-transplant), 30, 60, 90, 180, 270, and 360 days post-transplantation. In addition, the Quantiferon-CMV assay will be performed on weekly base after CMV reactivation until one week after resolution of viremia, thereafter, at days 30 and 60 after discontinuation of preemptive therapy. CMV reactivation is being monitored routinely by CMV quantitative real-time PCR in all HSCT recipients. Other data will be collected from the hospital information system at SQUH. Outcomes The results of this study will help to predict HSCT recipients that are at risk of CMV reactivation and therefore would help in optimizing the use of preemptive antiviral therapy in order to avoid unnecessary toxic drugs.